FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


0, 


a 


-N* 


ftXtf 


HYMNS 


OF  PK%£>v 
DEC   8   1933  ^ 


AND 


SACRED   PIECES, 


MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 

// 
By  RAY  PALMER. 

Let  every  thing  thai  hath  bnath  prafa  th,  Lord." 


NEW    FORK: 

ANSON  D.  F.   RANDOLPH, 

N     77"    Broadway,  <'or.  Ninth  ht. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S65, 

By  KAY  PALMER, 

In  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Northern 

District  of  New  York. 


Edward  0.  Jenkins, 
Printer,  20  North  William  St. 


TO 

THE  TRUE  WOMAN 

WHOSE    JUST    PRAISES  I  MAY    NOT    SPEAK. 

BUT  IN   WHOSK 
t  AFFECTION  AND  INTELLIGENT  AND  EAKNK-T 
-"i  MIATHY  WITH  ALL  MY  BEST  THOUGHT?  AND  EFFORTS 
I  HAVE  EVER  FOUND  INCITEMENT  AND  SUPPORT, 

I    VKVTLKE  TO 

INSCRIBE    THESE    PAGES 

GRATEFUL  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  OF  A  DEB1 

I  CANNOT  PAY. 

RAY  PALMER. 


PREFACE 


I  have  collected  the  following  pieces,  because  often 
urged  to  do  so  by  those  whom  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to 
gratify.  Most  of  the  Hymns  arc  already  familiar  to  the 
Churches,  but  are  scattered  in  various  collections.  A 
few  of  them  are  now  first  published.  Two  or  three 
which  have  been  for  some  time  in  use  I  have  preferred 
not  to  insert  here. 

It  is  well  understood  that  the  Hymn  is  a  peculiar  spe- 
cies of  poetical  composition.  Because  designed  to  be 
sung,  as  a  part  of  worship,  it  admits  of  but  little  orna- 
ment, must  be  direct  and  simple  in  its  structure,  clear 
in  its  meaning,  and  fitted  to  give  easy  and  natural  ex- 
pression to  the  devout  feelings  of  the  heart.  The  ait  in- 
volved in  the  composition,  must  attract  no  attention  to 
itself. 

The  text  of  the  Hymns  here  collected  is  that  which 
the  author  wishes  to  be  considered  as  the  true  one. 
One  or  two  published  at  an  early  date,  which  he  deemed 
defective,  he  has  himself  changed  slightly  ;  but  several 
corrupt  readings  have  made   their   way  into  the  Hymn 


Yl  PREFACE. 

Books.  The  four  translations  from  the  Old  Latin  Hymns, 
and  the  three  Hymns — "Lord  my  weak  thought," 
"  Jesus  these  eyes  have  never  seen,"  and  "  Thy  Father's 
house,"  were  contributed  to  the  Sabbath  Hymn  Book 
and  belong  to  the  proprietors  of  that  collection.  They 
are  inserted  hereby  permission.  With  the  exception  of 
these,  the  author  has  no  objection  to  the  use  of  the 
Hymns  here  brought  together  by  compilers  of  Hymn 
Books  ;  but  he  earnestly  protests  against  the  wrong  of 
tampering  with  his  text.  This  he  cannot  but  feel  to  be 
an  immorality  which  no  Christian  man  should  be  willing 
to  commit. 

The  "  Sacred  Pieces"  are  designed  only  for  reading. 
Several  of  the  "  Miscellaneous  Poems"  have  been  pub- 
lished separately  ;  others  appear  now  for  the  first  time. 
If  this  little  volume  shall  prove  a  contribution,  however 
slight,  of  pure  thoughts  to  pure  minds,  the  author  will 
be  truly  thankful. 

R.  P. 

Albany,  Jan.  5th,  1865. 


C^x>ci^ 


CONTENTS 


HYMNS. 


I.  My  faith  looks  up  to  thee ' 

II.  Lord,  thou  wilt  bring  the  joyful  day 9 

III  U 

IV.  Eternal  Father,  thou  hast  said 13 

V.  Oh,  sweetly  breathe  the  lyres  above 1"> 

VI.  Stealing  from  the  world  away IT 

VII.  Lord,  my  weak  thought  in  vain  would  climb 19 

VI  LI.  Away  from  earth  my  spirrt  turns 

IX.  Lord,  thou  on  earth  didst  love  thine  own 

X    I  know,  my  God.  That  thou  art  near ■ 

XI.  Before  thy  throne  with  tearful  eyes 

XII.   And  i-  there,   Lord,  a  p--t 

Xlii.  Jesus,  thoa  Joy  of  taring  heart! 31 

XIV.  Come  Holy  Ghost,  in  love 

XV.  We  stand  in  deep  repentance 89 

XVI.  Thou.  Barter,  from  thy  throne  on  high 

XVII  abide  thou  with  i 

XVin  •>/   m,  thy  mourning  is  ended 41 

Lord 43 


viii  CONTENTS. 

Page. 

XX.  Thine  holy  day's  returning 43 

XXI.  Jesus,  Lamb  of  God,  for  me 47 

XXII.  When  downward  to  the  darksome  tomb 49 

XXIII.  O  bread  to  pilgrims  given 51 

XXIV.  Thy  Fa*  tier's  house  —  thine  own  bright  home 53 

XXV.  Come,  O  thou  mighty  Savior 55 

XXVI.  Fount  of  everlasting  love 57 

XXVII.  The  sabbath  bell  so  full  and  swelling 59 

XXVIII.  Wouldst  thou  eternal  life  obtain 61 

XXIX.  Take  me,  O  my  Father,  take  me 63 

XXX.  Eternal  Lord,  whose  power 65 

XXXI.  We  praise   thee,  Savior,  for  the  grace 67 

XXXII.  Thou  who  roll'st  the  year  around 69 

SACKED  PIECES. 

I.  The  Lord  God  is  a  Sun 71 

II.  Dying  words  of  Neander 74 

m.  I  saw  thee 76 

TV.  The  Thorn 79 

V.  Yearnings 81 

VI.  Self-Questioning 83 

VTI.  GodRevealed 86 

VIII.  Gethsemane 88 

IX.  Rest,  Soldier  Rest 90 

X.  Via  Dolorosa 92 

XI.  The  Maiden 95 

SONNETS. 

XDI.  To  my  Mother 98 

Xul.  Mrs.  W.  L.  L 101 

XIV.  The  Christian  Soldier's  sleep  104 


COXTEXTS.  IX 

Piigt. 

XV.  The  Anointing Mi 

XV I.  The  Alarm 

XVII.  The  Expulsion 110 

XVIII.  The  Institution 118 

XIX.  The  Hoi j  Bond 114 

XX    <■•  I    -   inane ltf 

XXI.  The  Sacrifice 117 

MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

I.  The  Spirit's  Life 119 

II.  The  Monks  of  Chester 141 

in.  Clouds 144 

IV.  The  Song  of  the  Seven 147 

V.  The  voice  of  Freedom 151 

VI.  Nature 155 

VII.  President  Lincoln's  Proclamation 15S 

VIII.  Honing  Watches 161 

IX.  To  my  Sir-ter,  on  her  wedding  day 163 

X.  Nelly 166 

XI.  To  My  Wife,  Jan.  1st.  1*>4 169 

XII.  The  Mountain  Maid 172 

Xm.  The  Birthday 175 

XIV.  To   Clara 177 

SONNETS. 

XV".  The  Bide 179 

XVI.  Palmer"-  Indian  Maid Ml 

XVII.  Vnnr!u-p 185 

XVIII.  Farewell  to  Rome 181 

XIX.  To  Tillie  on  her  birthday 192 

-ong 194 


HYMNS. 


i. 

/A  FAITH. 

JMlY  faith  looks  up  to  thee, 
Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary, 
8  rior  divine: 

Now  hear  me  while  I  pray. 
Take  all  my  guilt  away, 
0  let  me  from  this  day 
Be  wholly  thine. 

May  thy  rich  grace  impart 
Mgth  to  my  feinting  L 
My  zeal  inspi 
thou  hast  died  for  me, 

0   may  my   love  to  tl  ■ 

Pure,  warm,  and  ehang<  Less  be- 
A  Living  \' 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

While  life's  dark  maze  I  tread, 
And  griefs  around  me  spread, 

Be  thou  my  guide; 
Bid  darkness  turn  to  day, 
Wipe  sorrow's  tears  away, 
Nor  let  me  ever  stray 

From  thee  aside. 

When  ends  life's  transient  dream, 
When  death's  cold  sullen  stream, 

Shall  o'er  me  roll ; 
Blest  Savior,  then,  in  love, 
Fear  and  distrust  remove; 
0,  bear  me  safe  above — 

A  ransomed  soul. 


i  la  ul  f  ffYJi  1  trl  1L  il 


iiYi  h  wi  nm  n 


ii. 

HEAVEN. 

There  remainetb  a  rest. 

LiORD.  thou  wilt  bring  the   joyful   day 

Beyond  earth's  weariness  and  pains, 
Thou  hast  a  mansion  far  away, 

Where  for  thine  own  a  rest  remains. 

No  sun  there  climbs  the  morning  Bky, 

There  never  falls  the  shade  of  night, 
God  and  the  Lamb,  forever  ni_ 
O'er  all  shed  everlasting  light. 

The  bow  of  mercy  si.an>  the  throi 
Emblem  of  love  and  goodness  tl 

While   notes  to  mortals  all   unknown. 
Float  on  the  calm  celestial  air. 


10 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


Around  the  throne  bright  legions    stand, 
"Redeemed  by  blood  from  sin  and  hell; 

And  shining  forms,  an  angel  band, 
The  mighty  chorus  join  to  swell. 

There,  Lord,  thy  way-worn  saints  shall  find 
The  bliss  for  which  they  longed  before; 

And  holiest  sympathies  shall  bind 
Thine  own  to  thee  forevermore. 

0   Jesus,    bring  us  to  that  rest, 

"Where  all  the  ransomed  shall  be  found, 

In  thine  eternal  fulness  blest, 

While  ages  roll  their  cycles  round ! 


III. 

C  HEIST  LOVED  UNSEEN. 

1  Peter  1  :  8. 

J  ESUS  these  eyes  have  never  seen 

That  radiant  form  of  thine ! 
The  veil  of  sense  hangs  dark  between 

Thy  blessed  face  and  mine. 

I  see  thee  not,  I  hear  thee  not, 

Yet  art  thou  oft  with  me ; 
And  earth  hath  ne'er  so  dear  a  spot, 

As  where  I  meet  with  thee. 

Like    some    bright    dream     that    comes 
unsought, 

When  Blumbers  o'er  me  roll, 
Thine  image  ever  fills  my  thought, 

And  charms  my  ravished  soul. 


12  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Yet  though  I  have  not  seen,  and  still 

Must  rest  in  faith  alone, 
I  love  thee,  dearest  Lord! — and  will, 

Unseen,  but  not  Unknown. 

When  death  these  mortal  eyes  shall  seal, 
And  still  this  throbbing  heart, 

The  rending  veil  shall  thee  reveal, 
All  glorious  as  thou  art! 


IV. 


THE  JUBILEE. 

This  Hymn  was  written  for  the  fiftieth  Anniversary 
of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Mi-si.'iis,  Mid  sung  at  the  Jubilee  Celebration,  held  in 
the  Tremont  Temple  at  Boston,  Oct.  3d— 5th,  1860. 

ETERNAL  Father!  thou  hast  said 
That  Christ  all  glory  shall  obtain ; 

That  Tie  who  once,  a  sufferer,  bled, 
Shall  o'er  the  world,  a  conqnerer,  reign. 

AW  wait  thy  triumph,  Savior,  King! 

Long  ages  have  prepared  the  way ; 
Now  all  abroad   thy  banner  fling, 

Set  Time's  great  battle  in  array. 

Thy  hosts  are  mustered  to  the  field, 
"The    c    -    —"The     cross "  —their 
battle-call ; 
<>ld  grim  towers  of  darkness  yield, 

A]  all   totter  to   their  tall. 


14  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

On  mountain  tops  the  watch-fires  glow, 
Where   scattered   wide    the    watchmen 
stand ; 

Voice  echoes  voice,  and  onward  flow 
The  joyous  shouts  from  land  to  land. 

Thou  hast  our  humble  service  blest, 
While  fifty  years  have  rolled  their  round ; 

Weary  and  worn  the  fathers  rest, 

But  in  their  stead  the  sons  are  found. 

Oh !  fill  thy  church  with  faith  and  power ! 

Bid  her  long  night  of  weeping  cease ; 
To  groaning  nations  haste  the  hour 

Of  life  and  freedom,  light  and  peace. 

Come  Spirit,  make  thy  wonders  known ! 

Fulfil  the  Father's  high  decree; 
Then    earth  —  the    might    of   hell    o'er- 
thrown — 

Shall  keep  her  last,  great  Jubilee. 


JOY  OF  CONSECRATION  TO  CHRIST. 

vJh,  sweetly  breathe  the  lyres  above, 
"When  angels  touch  the  quivering  string. 

And  wake,  to  chant  Inimanuel's  love, 
Such  strains  as  angel  lips  can  sing ! 

And  sweet,  on  earth,  the  choral  swell, 
From  mortal  tongues,  of  gladsome  lays ; 

When  pardoned  souls  their  raptures  tell, 
And,  grateful,  hymn  Inimanuel's  praise. 

Jesus,  thy  name  our  souls  adore; 

We  own  the  bond  that  makes  us  thine ; 
And  carnal  joys,  that  charmed  before, 

For  thy  dear  sake  we  now  resign. 


16  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Our  hearts,  by  dying  love  subdued, 
Accept  thine  offered  grace  to-day ; 

Beneath  the  cross,  with  blood  bedewed, 
We  bow,  and  give  ourselves  away. 

In  thee  we  trust  —  on  thee  rely  ; 

Though  we  are  feeble,  thou  art  strong: 
Oh,  keep  us  till  our  spirits  fly 

To  join  the  bright,  immortal  throng ! 


VI. 
EVENING  WORSHIP. 

In  thy  light  shall  we  see  light. 

STEALING  from  the  world  away, 

We  are  come  to  seek  thy  face ; 
Kindly  meet  us,  Lord,  we  pray, 
Grant  us  thy  reviving  grace. 

Yonder  stars  that  gild  the  Bky, 

Shine  but  with  a  borrowed  light : 
We,  unless  thy  light  be  nigh, 

Wander,  wrapt  in  gloomy   night. 

of  righteousni  —  !     dispel 

All  our  darkness,   doubts,  and  fears; 

ight  within   US  dwell, 
Till  eternal   day  appei 


18  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Warm  our  hearts  in  prayer  and  praise, 
Lift  our  every  thought  above; 

Hear  the  grateful  songs  we  raise, 
Fill  us  with  thy  perfect  love. 


TRUST. 
VII. 

How  unsearchable  are  thy  judgments. 

J-JORD,  ray  weak  thought  in  vain  would 
climb 

To  search  the  starry  vault  profound; 
In  vain  would  wing  her  flight  sublime, 

To  rind  creation's  outmost  bound. 

But  weaker  yet  that  thought  must  prove 
To  search  thy  great  eternal  plan — 

Thy  sovereign  counsels,  born  of  love, 
Long  ages  ere  the  world  began. 

When  my  dim  reason  would  demand 
Why  that,  or  this,  thou  dost  ordain, 

By  some  vast  deep  I  seem  to  stand, 
AVhose  secrets  I  must  ask  in  vain. 

9 


20 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


When  doubts  disturb  my  troubled  breast, 
And  all  is  dark  as  night  to  me, 

Here,  as  on  solid  rock  I  rest ; 
That  so  it  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

Be  this  my  joy,  that  evermore 

Thou  rulest  all  things  at  thy  will: 

Thy  sovereign  wisdom  I  adore, 

And  calmly,  sweetly,  trust  thee  still. 


VIII.    . 
THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE. 

A  "WAY  from  earth  my  spirit  turns, 
Away  from  every  transient  good: 
With  strong  desire  my  bosom  burns, 
To  feast  on  Heaven's  diviner  food. 

Thou,  Savior,  art  the  living  bread; 
Thou  wilt  my  every  want   supply; 
By  thee  sustained,  and  cheered  and  led, 
I'll  press  through  dangers  to  the  sky. 

What  though  temptations  oft  distress, 
And  ails,  and  break-  my  peace; 

Thou  wilt  uphold,  and  Bave,  and  bless, 
I  bid  the  storms  of  paw 


22 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


Then  let  me  take  thy  gracious  hand, 
And  walk  beside  thee  onward  still; 
Till  my  glad  feet  shall  safely  stand 
Forever  firm  on  Zion's  hill. 


PEnxnxxranoaamxa 


IX. 
THE  UNITY  OF  LOYE. 

That  they  all  may  be  one. 

JuORD,  thou    on  earth  didst    love  thine 
own, 

Didst  love  them  to  the  end  ; 
0  still  from  thy  celestial  throne, 

Let  gifts  of  love  descend. 

The  love  the  Father  bears  to  thee, 

His  own  Eternal  Son, 
Fill  all  thy  saints,  till  all  shall  be 

In  pure  affection  one. 

As  thou  for  us  didst  stoop  so  low, 
Warmed  by  love's  holy  flame, 

So  let  our  deeds  of  kindness  flow 
To  all  who  bear  thy  name. 


24  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

One  blessed  fellowship  in  love, 
Thy  living  Church  should  stand, 

Till  faultless,  she  at  last  above, 
Shall  shine  at  thy  right  hand. 

O  glorious  day  when  she,  the  Bride, 
With  her  clear  Lord  appears ! 

When  robed  in  beauty  at  his  side. 
She  shall  forget  her  tears. 


. 


X. 

PRIVATE  WORSHIP. 

1  KNOW,  my  God,  that  thou  art  near. 
For  o'er  my  trusting,  waiting  soul, 

While  starts  the  silent,  grateful  tear. 
Full  tides  of  sweet  emotion  roll — 
My  blessed  God! 

Thou  dost  to  faith  thyself  reveal ; 

I  see  thy  lace  serene  and  mild; 
By  Christ's  dear  cross,  while  here  I  kneel, 

I  know  that  I  am  made  a  child — 
My  blessed  God! 

I  need  not  speak,  for  thou  dost  see 
All  that  I  feel  but  cannot  tell ; 

longings  to  be  tilled  with  thee 
That  stir  my  heart,  thou  knowest  well — 
My  blessed  God  '. 


26  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

In  thee,  when  sorrows  rend  my  breast, 
Love's  tender^st  sympathy  I  find, 

As  to  a  Father's  bosom  prest, 

As  by  a  Father's  arms  entwined — 
My  blessed  God ! 

As  if  in  ocean's  darkest  deep, 

Thy  grace  hath  buried  all  my  sins, 

And  o'er  me  faithful  watch   shall  keep, 
Till  heaven's  eternal  joy  begins — 
My  blessed  God ! 

That  grace,  with  pure,  divine  delight, 
My   joyous,    thankful  soul  shall  own, 

When  bursts  upon  my  ravished  sight, 
The  splendor  of  thy  burning  throne — 
My  blessed  God ! 


XI. 


THE  DAY  SPRING. 

BeFOEE  thy  throne  with  tearful  eyes, 
My  gracious  Lord,  I  humbly   fall; 

To  thee  my  weary  spirit  flies, 
For  thy  forgiving  love  I  call. 

I  know  thy  mercy  overflows, 

When  sinners  on  thy  grace  rely; 

Thy  tender  love  no  limit  knows ; 
Oh  save  me — justly  doomed  to  die! 

Zee!  thou  wilt  save;  my  soul  is   free! 

The  gloom  of  sin  is  fled  away ; 
My  tongue  breaks  forth  in  praise  to  thee, 

And  all  my  powers  thy  word  obey. 


28 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


Hence,  while  I  wrestle  with  my  foes  — 
The  world,  the  flesh,  the  hosts  of  hell — 

Sustain  thou  me  till  conflicts  close, 
Then  endless  songs  my  thanks  shall  tell. 


XII. 
HEAVEN. 

There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest. 

AXD  is  there,  Lord,  a  rest, 

For  weary  souls  designed, 
Where  not  a  care  shall  stir  the  breast, 

Or  sorrow  entrance  find  ? 

Is  there  a  blissful  home, 

Where  kindred  minds  shall  meet, 
And  live,  and  love,  nor  ever  roam 

From  that  serene  retreat  ? 

Are  there  bright  happy  fields, 

Where  nought  that  blooms  shall  die ; 

Where  each  new  scene  fresh  pleasure  yields, 
And  healthful  breezes  sigh  ? 


30  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Are  there  celestial  streams, 

Where  living  waters  glide, 
With  murmurs  sweet  as  angel  dreams, 

And  flowery  banks  beside? 

Forever  blessed  they, 

Whose  joyful  feet  shall  stand, 
While  endless  ages  waste  away, 

Amid  that  glorious  land! 

My  soul  would  thither  tend, 
While  toilsome  years  are  given ; 

Then  let  me,  gracious  God,  ascend 
To  sweet  repose  in  heaven! 


XIII. 


ANCIENT  HYMN. 


Translated  from  Bernard. 

JESUS,  thou  Joy  of  loving  heart-  ! 

Thou  Fount  of  Life!  Thou  Light  of  men ! 
From  the  best  Miss  that  earth  imparts, 

"We  turn  unfilled  to  thee  again. 

Thy  truth  unchanged  hath  ever  stood ; 

Thou  savest  those  that  on  thee  call ; 
To  them  that  seek  thee,  thou  art  good, 

To  them  that  find  thee— All  in  All! 

We  taste  thee,  0  thou  Living  Bread, 
And  long  to  feast  upon  thee  still  ; 

We  drink  of  thee,  the  Fountain    Eead, 
And  thint  our  souls  from  thee  to  fill. 
3 


32  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Our  restless  spirits  yearn  for  thee, 
Where'er  our  changeful  lot  is  cast; 

Glad,  when  thy  gracious  smile  we  see, 
Blest,  when  our  faith  can  hold  thee  fast. 

O  Jesus,  ever  with  us  stay ! 

Make  all  our  moments  calm  and  bright ; 
Chase  the  dark  night  of  sin  away — 

Shed  o'er  the  world  thy  holy  light! 


XIV. 
COME  HOLY  GHOST. 

Translated  from  Old  Latin  H}Tnn9. 

COME,  Holy  Ghost— in  love 
Shed  on  ns  from  above 

Thine  own  bright  ray ! 
Divinely  good  thou  art; 
Thy  sacred  gifts  impart 
To  gladden  each  sad  heart : 

0,  come  to-day ! 

Come,  tend'rest  Friend,  and  best, 
Our  most  delightful  guest, 

With  soothing  power: 
Rest,  which  the  weary  know, 
Shade,  'mid  the  noontide  glow, 
Peace,  when  deep  griefs  o'erflow — 

Cheer  us,  this  hour ! 


34  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Come,  Light  serene,  and  still 
Our  inmost  bosoms  fill; 

Dwell  in  each  breast: 
We  know  no  dawn  but  thine ; 
Send  forth  thy  beams  divine, 
On  our  dark  souls  to  shine, 

And  make  us  blest! 

Exalt  our  low  desires; 
Extinguish  passion's  fires ; 

Heal  every  wound  : 
Our  stubborn  spirits  bend ; 
Our  icy  coldness  end ; 
Our  devious  steps   attend, 

"While  heavenward  bound. 

Come,  all  the  faithful  bless  ; 
Let  all,  who  Christ  confess, 

His  praise  employ : 
Give  virtue's  rich  reward; 
Victorious  death  accord, 
And,  with  our  glorious  Lord, 

Eternal  joy! 


XV. 
REPENTANCE. 

Translated  from  a  German  Hymn. 

W  E  stand  in  deep  repentance, 

Before  thy  throne  of  love: 
0  God  of  grace  forgive  us, 

The  stain  of  guilt  remove ; 
Behold  us  while  with  weeping 

We  lift  our  eyes  to  thee  : 
And  all  our  sins  subduing, 

Our  Father,  set  us  free! 

Oh  !  shouldst  thou  from  us  fallen 
Withhold  thy  grace  to  guide, 

Forever  we  should  wander. 
From  thee,  and  peace,  aside: 


36  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

But  thou  to  spirits  contrite 
Dost  light  and  life  impart, 

That  man  may  learn  to  serve  thee 
With  thankful,  joyous  heart. 

Our  souls — on  thee  we  cast  them, 

Our  only  refuge  thou ! 
Thy  cheering   words  revive  us, 

When  pressed  with  grief  we  bow 
Thou  bear'st  the  trusting  spirit 

Upon  thy  loving  breast, 
And  givest  all  thy  ransomed 

A  sweet,  unending  rept. 


XVI. 
THE  TRANQUIL  HOUR. 

J.  HOU,  Savior,  from  thy  throne  on  high, 
Enrobed  in  light  and  girt  with  power, 

Dost  note  the  thought,  the  prayer,  the  sigh 
Of  hearts  that  love  the  tranquil  hour. 

Oft  thou  thyself  didst  steal  away, 
At  eventide,  from  labor  done, 

In  some  still  peaceful   shade  to  pray, 
Till  morning  watches  were  begun. 

Thou  hast  not,  dearest  Lord,  forgot 
Thy  wrestlings  on  Judea's  hills; 

And  .still  thou  lov'st  the  quiet  spot 
Where  praise  the  lowly  spirit  tills. 


38  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Now  to  our  souls,  withdrawn  awhile 
From  earth's  rude  noise,  thy  face  reveal ; 

And,  as  we  worship,  kindly  smile, 
And  for  thine  own  our  spirits  seal. 

To  thee  we  bring  each  grief  and  care, 
To  thee  we  fly  while  tempests  lower; 

Thou  wilt  the  weary  burdens  bear 
Of  hearts  that  love  the  tranquil  hour. 


XVII. 
y  ALL  IN  CHRIST. 

I  will  come  to  you. 

COME,    Jesus,    Redeemer,     abide    thou 

with  me  ; 
Come  gladden  my  spirit  that  waiteth  for 

thee  ; 
Thy  smile  every  shadow  shall  chase  from 

my  heart, 
And  soothe  every   sorrow,  though    keen 

be  the  smart. 

Without  thee  but  weakness,  with  thee  I 

am  strong ; 

By  day  thou  shalt  lead  me,  by  night  be 

my  song; 
Though  dangers  surround  me,  I  still  every 

fear, 

Since  thou,  the  Most  Mighty,  my  helper 

art  near. 


40  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Thy  love,  oh  how  faithful !  so  tender,  so 
pure; 

Thy  promise,  faith's  anchor,  how  stead- 
fast and  sure  ! 

That  love,  like  sweet  sunshine,  my  cold 
heart  can  warm, 

That  promise  make  steady  my  soul  in 
the  storm. 

Breathe,  breathe  on  my  spirit,  oft  ruffled, 

thy  peace; 
From  restless,  vain  wishes,  bid  thou  my 

heart  cease; 
In    thee    all    its    longings    henceforward 

shall  end, 
Till  glad  to  thy   presence   my  soul   shall 

ascend. 

0  then,  blessed  Jesus,  who  once  for  me 

died, 
Made  clean  in  the  fountain   that  gushed 
from  thy  side, 

1  shall  see  thy  full  glory,  thy   face  shall 

behold, 
And  praise    thee  forever   with    raptures 
untold ! 


■  .TtTT.   - -TV7- . .  .^V7- , :  v!y7^  i^IV^i  i;™VT->.  ;-vXT-  -1 


XVIII. 
THE  DAY  OF  JOY. 

VV  AKE  thee,  0  Zion,  thy  mourning  is 
ended; 

God — thine  own  God — hath  regarded  thy 
prayer: 

Wake  thee,  and  hail  him,  in  glory  de- 
scended, 

Thy  darkness  to  scatter — thy  wastes  to 
repair. 

Wake  thee,  0  Zion,  his  spirit  of  power 
To  newness  of  life  is  awaking  the  dead  ; 
Array  thee  in  beauty,  and  greet  the  glad 

hour 
That  brings  thee  salvation,  through  Jesus 

who  bled. 


42  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Savior,  we  gladly  with,  voices  resounding 
Loud  as  the  thunder,  our  chorus  would 

swell ; 
Till  from  rock,  wood    and   mountain   its 

echoes  rebounding, 
To  all  the  wide  world  of  salvation  shall 
tell. 


inmmmmi 


XIX. 
AN  ANCIENT  HYMN. 

Translated  from  Gregory. 

O  CHRIST  !   our  King,  Creator,  Lord ! 
Savior  of  all  who  trust  thy  word ! 
To  them  who  seek  thee  ever  near, 
Xow  to  our  praises  bend  thine  ear. 

Ln  thy  dear  cross  a  grace  is  found — 
It  flows  from  every  streaming  wound — 
Whose  power  our  inbred  sin  controls, 
Breaks  the  firm  bond,  and  frees  our  souls  ! 

Thou  didst  create  the  stars  of  night; 
Yet  thou  hast  veiled  in  flesh  thy  light — 
Hast  deigned  a  mortal  form  to  wear, 
A  mortal's  painful  lot  to  bear. 


44  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

When  thou  didst  hang  upon  the  tree, 
The  quaking  earth  acknowledged  thee ; 
"When  thou  didst  there  yield  up  thy  breath, 
The  world  grew  dark  as  shades  of  death. 

Now  in  the  Father's  glory  high, 
Great  Conqu'ror,  never  more  to  die, 
Us  by  thy  mighty  power  defend, 
And  reign  through  ages  without  end ! 


xx. 

SABBATH  MORNING. 

J.HINE  holy  (lav's  returning, 

Our  hearts  exult  to  see, 
And  with  devotion  burning, 

Ascend,  our  God,  to  thee. 

To-day  with  purest  pleasure, 

Our  thoughts  from  earth  withdraw ; 

We  search  for  sacred  treasure, 
We  learn  thy  holy  law. 

We  join  to  sing  thy  praises, 
God  of  the  sabbath  day  ! 

Each  voice  in  gladness  raises 
Its  loudest,  sweetest  lay. 


46  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Thy  richest  mercies  sharing, 
0  fill  us  with  thy  love  ! 

By  grace  our  souls  preparing 
For  nobler  praise  above. 


4LjtLJ&L2fc 


XXI. 

REPENTANCE  AT  THE  CROSS. 

J  ESUS,  Lamb  of  God,  for  me 
Thou,  the  Lord  of  life,  didst  die  ; 

Whither — whither  but  to  thee, 
Can  a  trembling  sinner  fly  ? 

Death's  dark  waters  o'er  me  roll, 

Save,  0  save,  my  sinking  soul ! 

Never  bowed  a  martyred   head, 

Weighed  with  equal  sorrow  down  ; 

Never  blood  so  rich  was  shed, 
Never  king  wore  such  a  crown  ! 

To  thy  cross  and  sacrifice 

Faith  now  lifts  her  tearful  eyes. 


48  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

All  my  soul,  by  love  subdued, 
Melts  in  deep  contrition  there ; 

By  thy  mighty  grace  renewed, 
New-born  hope  forbids  despair; 

Lord,  thou  canst  my  guilt  forgive, 

Thou  hast  bid  me  look  and  live. 

While  with  broken   heart  I  kneel, 
Sinks  the  inward  storm  to  rest ; 

Life  —  immortal  life — I  feel 

Kindled  in  my  throbbing  breast ; 

Thine — forever  thine — I  am, 

Glory  to  the  bleeding  Lamb  ! 


Tv^*£^f  ?w*^f  *-w*w^  t0^5 


XXII. 
THE  RESURRECTION. 

VV  HEN  downward  to  the  darksome  tomb 

I  thoughtful  turn  my  eyes, 
Frail  nature  trembles  at  the  gloom, 

And  anxious  fears  arise. 

Wiry   shrinks  my  soul  ? — in   death's  em- 
brace 

Once  Jesus  captive  slept; 
And  angels,  hovering  o'er  the  place, 

His  lowly  pillow  kept. 

Thus  shall  they  guard  my  sleeping  dust, 

And,  as  the  Savior  rose, 
The  grave  again  shall  yield  her  trust, 

And  end  my  deep  repose. 


50  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

My  Lord,  before  to  glory  gone, 

Shall  bid  me  come  away ; 
And  calm  and  bright  shall  break  the  dawn 

Of  heaven's  eternal  day. 

Then  let  my  faith  each  fear  dispel, 
And  gild  with  light  the  grave ; 

To  him  my  loftiest  praises  swell, 
Who  died  from  death  to  save. 


XXIII. 
ANCIENT  SACRAMENTAL  HYMN. 

Translated  from  Thomas  Aquinas. 

U  BREAD  to  pilgrims  given, 

0  Food  that  angels  eat, 
0  Manna  sent  from  heaven, 

For  heaven-horn  natures  meet! 
Give  us,  for  thee  long  pining, 

To  eat  till  richly  filled; 
Till,  earth's  delights  resigning, 

Our  every  wish  is  stilled! 

0  Water,  life-bestowing, 

From  out  the  Savior's  heart, 

A  fountain  purely  flowing, 
A  fount  of  love  thou  art  ! 

Oh  let  us,  freely  tasting, 
Our  burning  thirst  assuage ! 


52  HYMNS  AND  SA  CRED  PIECES. 

Thy  sweetness,  never  wasting, 
Avails  from  age  to  age. 

Jesus,  this  feast  receiving, 

We  thee  unseen  adore ; 
Thy  faithful  word  believing, 

We  take — and  doubt  no  more ; 
Give  us,  thou  true  and  loving, 

On  earth  to  live  in   thee; 
Then,  death  the  veil  removing, 

Thy  glorious  face  to  see. 


uuuuuuuuuuuy 

Co  Co  Co  co  Co  Co  Co  Do  Co  Co  a->  co 


XXIV. 
THE  HOME  ABOVE. 

la  my  Father's  bouse  are  many  mansions. 

JL II Y  Father's  house  ! — thine  own  bright 
home ! 

And  thou  hast  there  a  place  for  me ! 
Though  yet  an  exile  here  I  roam, 

That  distant  home  by  faith  I  see. 

I  see  its  domes  resplendent  glow, 

Where  beams  of  God's  own  glory  fall ; 

And  trees  of  life  immortal  grow, 

Whose  fruits  o'erhang  the  sapphire  wall. 

I  know  that  thou,  who  on  the  tree 
Didst  deign  our  mortal  guilt  to  bear, 

AVilt  bring  thine  own  to  dwell  with  thee, 
And  waitest  to  receive  me  there ! 


54 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


Thy  love  will  there  array  my  soul 
In  thine  own  robe  of  spotless  hue ; 

And  I  shall  gaze  while  ages  roll, 
On  thee,  with  raptures  ever  new ! 

0,  welcome  day!    when  thou  my  feet 
Shalt  bring  the  shining  threshold  o'er ; 

A  Father's  warm  embrace  to  meet, 
And  dwell  at  home  forever  more! 


XXV. 

INVOCATION. 

vOME,  0  thou  mighty  Savior, 
We  look  for  thine  appearing; 

Descend  we  pray, 

Thy  love  display, 
Our  waiting  spirits  cheering. 

Come,  clothed  with  glorious   power ; 
Let  all  thy  saints  adore  thee, 

And  let  thy  word, 

The  Spirit's  sword, 
Subdue  thy  foes  before  thee. 

May  every  heart  with  gladness, 
Thine  offered  grace  receiving, 
Xow  cease  from  sin, 
And  pure  within, 

Have  peace,  in  thee  believing. 
5 


56  EYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Then,  when  thou  com'st  to  judgment, 
On  flying  clouds  descending, 

May  we  rejoice, 

When,  at  thy  voice, 
The  solid  earth  is  rending. 


XXVI. 
SPIRITUAL  REFRESHING. 

-TOUiST  of  everlasting  love, 
Rich  thy  streams  of  mercy  are ; 

Flowing  purely  from  above, 

Beauty  marks  their  course  afar. 

Lo  !  thy  church,  athirst  and  faint, 
Drinks  the  full,  refreshing  tide  ; 

Thou  hast  heard  her  sad  complaint, 
Floods  of  grace  are  sweeping  wide. 

God  of  mercy,  to  thy  throne, 

Now  our  fervent  thanks  we  bring; 

Thine  the  glory,  thine  alone, 
Joyous  praise  to  thee  we  sing. 


58  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

While  we  lift  our  grateful  song, 
Let  the  spirit  still  descend; 

Roll  the  tide  of  grace  along, 

Widening,  deepening,  to  the  end. 


xxvn 

THE  SABBATH  BELL.* 

JL  HE  sabbath  bell  so  full  and  swelling, 

Whose  rich  vibrations  greet  the  ear, 
To  me  in  solemn  note  seems  telling 

Of  faith,  of  hope,  of  heaven  near; 
My  heart  with  holy  joy  is  bounding, 

From  earth  my  thoughts  are  on  the  wing, 
Whene'er  the  welcome  call  is  sounding 

That  bids  me  join  the  choir  and  sing." 


*  I  do  not  know  who  is  the  author  of  the  first  of  the 
above  stanzas.  It  was  set  to  a  piece  of  music  by 
Neukomm,  and  was  placed  in  my  hands  by  Dr.  Low- 
ell Mason,  with  the  request  that  another  stanza  might 
be  added. 


60  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

And  while  I  hear  the  organ  pealing, 

And  raptured  voices  shouting  praise, 
While  round  the  holy  altar  kneeling, 

The  tranquil  eye  of  prayer  I  raise, 
Sweet  dews  of  heaven  seem  o'er  me  falling 

Subduing  all  my  soul  to  love; 
I  seem  to  hear  some  seraph  calling 

To  bid  me  join  the  choir  above. 


XXVIII. 
LIFE  AT  THE  CROSS. 

WOULDST  thou  eternal  life  obtain? 

Xow  to  the  cross  repair  ; 
There  stand  and  gaze  and  weep  and  pray, 
Where  Jesus  breathes  his  life  away; 

Eternal  life  is  there ! 

Go — 'tis  the  Son  of  God  expires ! 

Approach  the  shameful  tree ; 
quivering  there  the  mortal  dart, 
In  the  Redeemer's  loving  heart, 

0  sinful  soul,  for  thee! 

Go — there  from  every  streaming  wound 

wb  rich  atoning  blood  : 
That  blood  can  cleanse  the  d<  ••:    si  Main. 
Bid  frowning  justice  smile  again, 
An-l  seal  tby  peace  with  God. 


62 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


Go  —  at  that  cross  thy  heart  subdued, 

With  thankful  love  shall  glow; 
By  wondrous  grace  thy  soul  set  free, 
Eternal  life  from  Christ  to  thee 
A  vital  stream  shall  flow! 


HKIHgKiniFgHKlilEETirT 


XXIX. 
SELF-CONSECRATION. 

-LAKE  me,  0  my  Father!  take  me — 
Take  me,  save  me,  through  thy  Son ; 

That  which  thou  wouldst  have  me,  make 
me, 
Let  thy  will  in  me  be  done. 

Long  from  thee  my  footsteps  straying, 
Thorny  proved  the  way  I  trod  ; 

Weary  come  I  now,  and  praying — 
Take  me  to  thy  love,  my  God  ! 

Fruit1.'--  yean  with  grief  recalling, 

Humbly  I  confess  my  sin  ! 
At  thy  feet,  0  Father,  felling, 

To  thy  household  take  me  in. 


64  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Freely  now  to  thee  I  proffer, 
This  relenting  heart  of  mine ; 

Freely,  life  and  soul  I  offer, 
Gift  unworthy  love  like  thine. 

Once  the  world's  Eedeemer,  dying, 
Bore  our  sins  upon  the  tree ; 

On  that  sacrifice  relying, 
Now  I  look  in  hope  to  thee. 

Father  take  me !  all  forgiving, 
Fold  me  to  thy  loving  breast; 

In  thy  love  forever  living, 
I  must  be  forever  blest. 


x-<^ 


XXX. 
MISSIONARY  PARTING  HYMN. 

-tiTERXAL  Lord !  whose  power 
Can  calm  the  heaving  ocean, 

Exalted  Thou, 

Yet  gracious  bow ; 
Accept  our  warm  devotion. 

For  thee  our  all  we  leave, 
Xor  drop  a  tear  of  sadness; 

As  on  we  glide, 

Be  thou  our  guide, 
And  fill  our  hearts  with  gladness. 

We  go  'mid  pagan  gloom 

To  spread  the  truth  victorious; 

Thy  spirit  send, 

Thy  word  attend, 
And  make  its  triumph  glorious. 


66 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


And  when  our  toils  are  done, 
Smooth  thou  the  dying  pillow, 

0  bring  us   blest 

To  endless  rest, 
Safe  o'er  death's  troubled  billow! 


XXXI. 
INFANT   BAPTISM.. 

They  brought  unto  him  also  infants. 
Lnke  18,  15. 

\V  E  praise  thee  Savior,  for  the  grace 
That  bids  us  with  our  infants  come; 

That  gives  them  in  thy  heart  a  place, 
And  in  thy  kingdom  grants  them  room. 

We  bring  them  to  thine  altar  Lord, 
And  here  the  holy  seal  apply ; 

0  make  them  clean, — their  names  record 
In  thine  own  Book  of  Life  on  high. 

When  storms  shall  beat,  or  gathering  foes 
Beset  the  patli  their  feet  must  tread. 

Dear  Shepherd!  let  thine  arms  end 
Or  o'er  them  for  defence  be  spread. 
6 


68 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


If  thou  hast  marked  them  for  the  tomb, 
Ere  morning  brightens  into  day, 

As  in  thy  bosom  bear  them  home, 
And  gently  wipe  our  tears  away. 

Or  if  when  gathered  to  thy  rest, 

'Tis  ours  to  leave  them  pilgrims  still, 

Guide  thou  their  steps  till  with  us  blest, 
The)'  reach  thine  Everlasting  Hill. 


xxxn. 

THE  NEW  STEAK. 

IHOU  who  roll'st  the  year  around, 

Crowned  with  mercies  large  and  free, 
Rich  thy  gifts  to  us  abound, 

Warm  our  thanks  shall  rise  to  thee  : 
Kindly  to  our  worship  how, 

While  our  grateful  praises  swell, 
That,  sustained  by  thee,  we  now 

Bid  the  parting  year  farewell. 

All  its  numbered  days  are  sped, 

All  its  busy  scenes  are  o'er, 
All  its  joys  forever  fled, 

All  its  sorrows  felt  no  more : 
Mingled  with  th'  eternal  past, 

Its  remembrance  shall  decay, 
Yet  to  be  revived  at  last. 

At  the  solemn  judgment  day. 


70 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


All  our  follies,  Lord,  forgive ; 

Cleanse  each  heart  and  make  us  thine ; 
Let  thy  grace  within  us  live, 

As  our  future  suns  decline ; 
Then  when  life's  last  eve  shall  come, 

Happy  spirits  let  us  fly 
To  our  everlasting  home, 

To  our  Father's  house  on  hi^h. 


SACRED  PIECES. 


i. 

THE  LORD  GOD  IS  A  SUN. 
I. 

1  SEE  the  rose-bud,  wet  with  night's  cold 
dew, 
Smile  through  her  tears,  as  if  some  joy 
new-born 
Stirred  at  her  heart.     To  some    deep  in- 
stinct true, 
Her  eyelids  part,  kissed  by  the  waking 
morn. 
Softly  her  wondrous  beauty  she  reveals ; 

Opens  her  crimson  bosom  full  and  fair, 
To  drink  thy  beams,  0  Sun!  and,  drink- 
ing, feels 
Warmed  with  fresh  life  and  filled  with 
pleasure  rare. 


72  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

On  thee  I  see  her  waiting  all  the  day, 
As  by  thine  influence  filled  with  sweet 
content, 
And  anxious  only  not  to  lose  one  ray, 

"While    thy    pure  glory  to  her    gaze  is 
lent. 


II. 

So  my    own    spirit,  what    time   sad    and 
chilled 
By  earth's  dark  shadows  that  do  close 
me   o'er, 
Looks   up    through    streaming    eyes   and 
smiles,  as  filled 
With    kindling   joy,    when    thy     kind 
beams  once  more, 
O  God,  my    Sun !  do    chase    the    shades 
away: 
And  when  full-orbed  thou  breakest  on 
her  sight, 
My  soul  expands  herself  to  catch  the  day ; 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  i6 

At  hirst,  her    inmost  being    drinks  thy 
light, 
Thy     cheering     warmth,     all     influences 
benign ; 
Till  her   immortal    essence,  'neath  thy 
glow, 
Blossoms    with    graces,  throbs    with  joy 
divine, 
And  back  to  thee  her  loftiest  ardors  flow ! 


II. 
DYING  WORDS  OF  NEANDER. 

"  I'm  weary  —  I'm  weary  —  let  me  go  home  !" 

I'm  weary  —  weary — let  me  go! 

For  now  the  pulse  of  life  declineth ; 
My  spirit  chides  its  lingering  flow, 

For  her  immortal  life  she  pineth. 

I  feel  the  chill  night-shadows  fall ; 

The    sleep   steals    on     that    knows   no 
waking ; 
Yet  well  I  hear  blest  voices  call, 

And  bright  above  the  day  is  breaking. 

Not  now  the  purple  and  the  gold 
Of  trailing  clouds  at  sunset  glowing, 

These  dim  and  fading  eyes  behold; 
But  splendors  from  the  Godhead  flowing. 


//  }•  i/.vn  .  l  KD  &  I  <  'R ED  PIECES,  75 

'Tie  not  the  crimson  orient    beam, 
O'er  mountain  tops  in  beauty  glancing; 

Light  from  the  throne  !  a  flooding  stream  ! 
Tis  the  eternal  Sun  advancing ! 


As  oft,  when  waked  the  summer  morn, 
Sweet    breath    of   flowers    the   breezes 
bore  me ; 

In  this  sereniT,  fairer   dawn,     . 

Perfumes   from  Paradise  float  o'er  me. 


As  when  by  sultry  heats  oppressed, 
I've    sought    still    shades    cool    waters 
keeping, 
So  long  I  for  that  holier  rest, 

Where  heaven's  own  living  streams  are 
sweeping. 

Tin-  joy  of  life  hath  been  to  stand 
With  Bpirita  noble,  true,  confiding : 

Oh,  joy  anthought — to  reach  the  band 
Of  spotless  souls  with  God  abiding! 


76  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Ye  loved  of  earth !  this  fond  farewell 
That  now  divides  us,  cannot  sever : 

Swift  flying  years  their  round  shall  tell, 
And  our  glad  souls  be  one  forever. 

On  the  far  off  celestial  hills, 

I  see  the  tranquil  sunshine  lying; 

And  God  himself  my  spirit  fills 

With  perfect  peace  —  and  this  is  dying  ! 

Methinks  I  hear  the  rustling  wings 
Of  unseen  messengers  descending, 

And  notes  from  softly  trembling  strings, 
With  myriad  voices  sweetly  blending. 

0  thou,  my  Lord  adored  !  this  soul 
Oft —  oft  its  warm  desires  hath  told  thee : 

Now  wearily  the  moments  roll, 

Until  these  waiting  eyes  behold  thee. 

Ah  —  stay  my  spirit  here  no  more, 

That  for  her  home  so  fondly  yearneth  : 

There,  joy's  bright  cup  is  brimming  o'er ; 
There,  love's  pure  flame  forever  burnetii ! 


III. 

I  SAW  THEE. 
"When  thou  wast  under  the  fig-tree  I  saw  thee. 

1  SAW  thee  when,  as  twilight  fell, 
An»l  evening  lit  her  fairest  star, 

Thy  footsteps  sought  yon  quiet  dell, 
The  world's  confusion  left  afar. 

I  saw  thee  when  thou  stood'st   alone, 
Where    drooping   branches   thick   o'er- 
hung — 

Thy  still   retreat  to  all  unknown — 
Hid  in  deep  shadows  darkly  flung. 

I   Baw  thee  when,  as  died  each  sound 
Of  bleating  flock,  or  woodland  bird, 

ling,  as  if  on  holy  ground, 
Thy  voice  the  listening  Silence  heard. 


78  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

I  saw  thy  calm  uplifted  eyes, 

And  marked  the  heaving  of  thy  breast. 
When  rose  to  heaven  thy  heart-felt  sighs, 

For  purer  life,  for  perfect  rest. 

I  saw  the  light  that  o'er  thy  face 

.  Stole  with  a  soft  suffusing  glow, 
As  if,  within,  celestial  grace 
Breathed  the  same  bliss  that  angels  know. 

I  saw  —  what  thou  diclst  not  —  above 
Thy  lowly  head  an  open  heaven ; 

And  tokens  of  thy  Father's  love 

With  smiles  to  thy  rapt  spirit  given. 

I  saw  thee  from  that  sacred  spot 
With  firm  and  peaceful  soul  depart; 

T,  Jesus,  saw  thee  —  doubt  it  not  — 
And  read  the  secrets  of  thy  heart ! 


IV 


THE  THORN. 

.CjACII  pang  I  feel  is  known  to  thee, 
Dear  Lord!  for  thou  hast  sent  the  thorn 

That  pierceth  me  ; 
Hast  fixed  it  festering  in  this  breast, 
That  with  new  anguish  wakes  each  morn. 

And  finds  no  rest. 

Though  oft  with  burning  tears,  I've  prayed 
That  thou  wouldst  take  this  grief   away. 

Thou  hast  delayed ; 
Yet  thou  hast  pledged  thy  word  to  keep, 
To  succor  in  the  sorrowing  day 

Thine  own  who  weep. 

Why  tamest  thon  ?  Long  must  ]   plead, 
With  hope  deferred,  that  thou  wilt  send 
The  help  I  need  ': 


80  MTMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Hast  thou  thy  words  of  love  forgot, 
That,  when  o'erwhelmecl,  I  lowly  bend, 
Thou  answerest  not? 

Be  still,  my  soul,  and  meekly  bear 
Thy  pain^  nor  yield  one  doubt  a  place, 

Lest  dark  despair 
Prevail,  thy  steadfast  trust  to  shake ; 
Though  in  thick  shades  he  hides  his  face, 

The  dawn  shall  break ! 

Ah!  now,  at  last,  he  speaks; — A  thrill 
Sweeps  through  my  soul,  and  tides  of  love 

My  being  fill :  — 
"  Canst  thou  not  bear  the  cross  with  me  ? 
I  may  not  yet  the  thorn  remove 

That  woundeth  thee;  — 

But  thou  shalt  lean  upon  my  breast, 
My    strength    shall    make   thy  weakness 

strong ; 
When  most  oppressed, 
Then  most  my  grace  shalt  thou  partake ; 
And  from  thy  burdened  heart  a  song 

Of  joy  shall  break!" 


c^l    <A 2^4*<3  C>  Ak-Sik^2-^>'V<''  &*^-$k£rJ*<> 


S^r^tV  rpr*-?  v^r--t<  >V^^~  s>>r~xO  j-^^s° 


iXr 


V. 
YEARNINGS. 

0  that  I  bad  wings  like  a  dove. 

JJ IXED  in  some  deep  and  lonely  cell, 
And  doomed  a  weary  chain  to  wear, 
The  prisoner's  bosom  oft  must  swell 

With  longing  to  be  free  as  air. 

©    © 

Thus  by  dull  sense  shut  in,  confined 
To  this  low  earth,  where  shadows  lie, 

That  chill  its  fires,  its  vision  blind, 
My  prisoner  spirit  pines  to  fly. 

Far,  far  above  the  gloom  of  night, 
It  Bees  the  purely  brilliant  sheen 

that  ever  roll   in   light, 
And  wishes  for  a  world  Berene : 


82  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

A  world  unstained  by  sin  and  tears, 
Unreached  by  pangs  that  wring  us  here, 

Where  in  the  calm,  sweet  ffow  of  years, 
There's  nought  to  wish,  and  nought  to 
fear. 

Such  a  fair  world  there  is  on  high, 
For  yearning  souls  that  restless  roam ; 

0,  for  thy  wings,  thou  dove,  to  fly 

And  seek  in  that  bright  land  a  home! 


VI. 
SELF-QUESTIONING. 

One  of  you  shall  betray  me. 

\J  TELL  me,    Jesus,  to  my  heart  — 

My  troubled  heart  —  the  secret  tell  ; 
May  I  from  thee  and  thine  depart, 
As  Judas,  when  he  falsely  fell? 
Is  it  not  love  —  this  kindling  flame 
That  warms  my  breast  oft  as  thy  name 

Falls  on  my  willing  ear? 
Is  it  not  faith  that  oft  hath  brought 
My  trembling  soul  the  peace  it  sought. 
And  stilled  each  restless  fear: 

This  quiet  joy  that  hidden  flows 
Dee}>  in  my  soul ;  and  makes  me  glad, 

Though  many  a  rude  wind  round  me  blows, 
And   many  a  BOITOW  makes   me  sad — 


84  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Can  this  calm  joy  that  ever  lives 

Be  aught  but  that  thy  presence  gives, 

To  faithful  souls  revealed? 
The  presence  and  the  loving  smile 
That  gladdens  all  thine  own  —  the  while 

From  unbelief  concealed  ? 


The  tears  that  oft  these  eyes  have  wept, 

"When  I  before  thy  feet  have  knelt, 
Or  watch  about  thy  cross  have  kept, 

And  all  thy  pangs  have  keenly   felt  — 
Came  they  not  from  that  holy  grief 
That  brings  the  broken  heart  relief, 

And  softens  it  to  love  ? 
Was  not  the  hope  that  wakened  there, 
Hope  that  shall  triumph  o'er  despair 
And  bear  the  soul  above  ? 

Speak,  thou  that  knowest  well — decide; 

If  I  am  thine,  oh,  clasp  this  hand, 
And  when  my  feet  would  stray,  or  slide, 

Then  firmly  hold  and  bid  me  stand. 


HYMNS  . I  WD  A !  tfMMD  I'll''  85 

Go  forth  from  tlioo?  Give  me  to  bear 
Thy  bitter  cross,  thy  thorns  to  wear; 

But  let  me  not  depart ! 
Lord!    afresh  to  thee  I  bring, 
A  free,  a  cheerful  offering, 

This  trusting,  grateful  heart. 


VII. 

GOD  REVEALED. 

.All  my  springs  are  in  thee. 

-LlGHT  — light  upon  my  soul! 
Downward  it  streams    from    its   celestial 

fountains ; 
About  me  glows  like  sunrise  on  the  moun- 
tains ; 
It  bringeth  gladsome  cheer, 
Farewell  my  night  of  fear  ! 

Life — life  I  feel  within! 
Fresh  from   its  rich,  immortal  source  de- 
scending, 
It  lends  me  power  divine,  forever  ending 

The  weakness  felt  before ; 

I  now  can  faint  no  more. 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  87 

Love — love  my  bosom  fills! 
From  Him  whose  name  is  Love,  it  comes, 

inspiring 
Deep,  warm,  responsive    love,    my   spirit 
firing* 
With  holy  rapturous  glow, 
Such  as  pure  seraphs  know. 

Joy — joy  within  my  heart! 
From    its    bright    home    above    divinely 

flowing, 
Like    perfume  from    some  orient   garden 
blowing, 
Or,  like  the  fragrant  air 
"Wafted  o'er  meadows  fair. 

God  —  God  the  great  and  good! 
That    from    the  sense    his  glory  all    con- 
cealing, 
To  lowly  faith  delighteth  in  revealing 

Himself,   the  Highest,  Best  — 

All  being's  bliss  and  rest ! 


VIII. 

GETHSEMANE. 

WHERE  climbs  thy  steep,  fair  Olivet, 
There  is  a  spot  most  dear  to  me : 

The  spot  with  tears  of  sorrow  wet, 
When  Jesus  knelt  in  agony. 

I  love  in  thought  to  linger  there, 
To  tread  the  hallowed  ground  alone, 

Where,  on  the  silent  midnight  air, 
Rose   heavenward,  Lord,  thy   plaintive 
moan. 

I  fondly  seek  the  olive  shade 

That  veiled  thee  when  thy  soul  was  wrung; 
When  angels  came  to  bring  thee  aid, 

That  oft  to  thee  their  harps  had  strung  ! 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  P1EC1  89 

There,  on  the  sacred  turf,  1  kneel, 

And  breathe  my  heart's  deep  love  to  thee, 
While  tender  memories  o'er  me  steal. 

Of  all  thou  did'st  endure  for  me. 

0  mystery  of  anguish,  when 

The  sinless  felt  sin's  heavy  woe  ! 

Hell  madly  dreamed  of  triumph  then, 
While  thy  dear  head  was  bending  low. 

Vain  dream  !  Xo  grief  shall  evermore 
Stain,  as  with  bloody  sweat,  thy  brow ; 

Robed  in  all  glory — thine  before  — 
The  seraphim,  surround  thee  now. 

Yet,  Lord,  from  off  the  burning  throne, 
Above  yon  stars  that  softly  gleam, 

Thou  com'st  to  meet  me  here  alone, 
By  Ked ron's  old  familiar  stream. 


IX. 
REST  WARRIOR  REST! 

On  depositing  the  body  of  Brig.  Gen.  James  C.  Rice 
in  the  tomb. 

REST,  Soldier— rest!—  thy  weary  task 
is  clone ; 
Thy    God  —  thy     country  —  thou     hast 
served  them  well : 
Thine  is  true  glory  —  glory  bravely  won  ; 
On  lips  of  men  unborn  thy  name  shall 
dwell. 

Rest,  Patriot  —  Christian  !  Thou  hast  early 
died, 
But  days   are  measured  best   by  noble 
deeds: 
Brief  though  thy    course,  thy  name  thou 
hast  allied 
To  those  of  whom  the  World,  admiring 
reads. 


I/VMXS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  91 

.  manly  form  !     Eternal  love  shall  keep 
Thy  still   repose,  till    breaks   the    final 
dawn  ; 
Our  Martyr  stays  not  here — He  knew  no 
sleep ! 
On  death's  dark  shadow  hurst  a  cloud- 
less morn  ! 

Live  !  live  on  fame's  bright  scroll,  heroic 
friend  ! 
Thy  memory,  now,  we  to  her  record  give, 
To  earth,  thy  dust:  our  thoughts  to  heaven 
ascend, 
Where,  with  the  immortals,  thou    dost 
ever  live ! 


oSgd  Go  o5"Ud  ub  Ud  cb  c*5  uo  co'cJj  ob  00  "Do  cb 


X. 

VIA  DOLOROSA. 

1  SEE  my  Lord,  the  pure,  the  meek,  the 
lowly, 
Along  the  mournful  way  in  sadness  tread ; 
The  thorns  are  on  his  brow,  and  He  — the 
Holy, 
Bearing  his  cross,  to  Calvary  is  led ! 

Silent  He  moveth  on,  all  uncomplaining, 
Though  wearily  his  grief    and    burden 
press ; 
And  foes  —  nor  shame,   nor  pity  now  re- 
straining — 
With  scoff  and  jeering  mock  his  deep 
distress. 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  93 

Tis  hell's  dark  hour;    jet  calm  himself 

resigning, 
Even  as  a  Lamb  that  goeth  to  be  slain ; 
The  wine-press  lone  he  treadeth  unrepining, 
And  falling  blood-drops  all  his  raiment 

stain. 

In  mortal  weakness  'neath  his  burden 
sinking, 

The  Son  of  God  accepts  a  mortal's  aid  ! 
Then  passes  onto  Golgotha  unshrinking, 

Where  love's  divinest  sacrifice  is  made. 

Dear  Lord  !  what  though  my  path  be  set 
with  sorrow. 
And  oft    beneath    some   heavy    cross  I 
groan  ? 
My  Bonl,  weighed  down,  shall  strength  and 
courage  borrow, 
A  •  thoughts  of  sharper  griefs  which  thou 
hast   known. 


94 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


And  I,  in  tears,  will    yet    look   up  with 
gladness, 
And  hope  when  troubles  most  my  hope 
would  drown  ; 
The  mournful  way  which  thou  didst  tread 
with  sadness, 
Was  but  thy  way  to  glory  and  thy  Crown ! 


XI. 
THE  MAIDEN. 

A  WAS    on  a    summer     evening  —  when 

the  sun  was  set  in  name, 
And  the    golden    hues  were  fading,    and 

the  twilight  shadows  came, 
That  I  walked   with    one  I    loved, —  one 

who  felt  with  me  the  power 
Which  o'er  the  heart  comes    tenderly  in 

nature's  peaceful  hour. 

By  a  river-side  we  walked — 'twas  a  softly 
flowing  stream ; 

It-  murmur  like  sweet  music  stealing  o'er 
the  sleeper's  dream  : 

Green  and  mossy  were  the  hanks,  cluster- 
ing shrubs  and   arching  trees 

Here  and  there  beside  the  waters,  whis- 
pered ever  to  the  breeze. 


96  HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

If  there  are    aerial    spirits,    as    'tis    often 

said  in  song, 
Which  love 'mid  scenes  of  beauty  to  keep 

revel  all  night  long, 
Surely  there    they    oft   had  gathered,  on 

the  moonlit  grassy  bed, 
And  danced  their  mystic  dance    till    the 

morn  was  blushing  red. 

As  arm    in    arm    we    wandered    with  a 

quiet  step  and  slow, 
And    communed    in    such    discourse    as 

kindred  spirits  only  know, 
And,  in    thought,    from    earthly    beauty 

mounted  up  to  worlds  of  light 
Where  beauty  is  immortal  —  ever  fadeless 

—  ever  bright ; 

There    came    a  plaintive    voice    thro'  the 

stillness  on  the  ear; 
Hark! — how  soft  and  sweet  its  murmur, 

it  is  melody  to  hear ! 
We  stay  our  steps  and    listen  —  clear  on 

the  tranquil  air, 
Breaks  from  a  leafy  covert  the  holy  words 

cf  prayer ! 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  97 

Twas  a  gentle  maiden's  voice  —  from  the 

busy  world  away. 
To  this  lovely  lone  retreat,  at    the    hour 

of  dying  day. 
She  hath  stolen  out  unseen,  and  on  faith's 

bright  wing  she  soars. 
Breathing  out  her  soul  in  worship  to  the 

God  whom  she  adores. 

AW'  would  have  bowed  in  silence,  for  the 

place  was  holy  ground  ; 
God's  awe  was    on    the  spirit,  and    'twas 

heaven  all  around  ! 
But    profane    it  seemed    to    hear    as   that 

guileless  heart  aspired, 
And  we  turned  our  footsteps  Bilently,  and 

from  the  spot  retired. 

Perhaps    she  came  there    nightly    by  the 

kindling  stars  of  even, 
T<»  kneel  upon  that  fragrant  turf  and  pray 

and  think  of  heaven  ; 
She  was,  doubt  not,  a  sweet  sister,    l»<>rc 

a  faithful  daughter's  part, 

i  all  things  like  an  angel  —  'Blessed 

are  the  pure  in  heart.' 


c>>4-« 


SONNETS. 

XII. 

TO  MY  MOTHER. 

I. 
J\J_Y  angel  mother!    Long  —  long   years 
have  gone, 
Since  thou,  yet  young  and  fair,  passed 

from  my  sight, 
Translated  to  the  world  where  all  is  light, 
From      earth's    dim     shadows     evermore 

withdrawn  ; 
Oh,  bright  on  thy  awaking  broke  the  morn 
Of  life  immortal ;  for  thy  soul  even  here 
Angelic    seemed,   lent    to     this   mortal 
sphere, 
And  waiting  till  the  eternal  day    should 
dawn : 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.  99 

Yet  thou  did'st  not    forsake  me    when 

they  bore 
Thee  Badly    forth,  and    fresh  turf    o'er 
thee  laid ; 
E'er  since,  I  see  thy  gentle  face  each  day, 
And  in  the  silent  night,  and  still  there 
play 
In    those    soft    eyes   the    self-same   smiles 

that  made 
Thy  presence  a  deep  joy,  in  days  of  yore. 

II. 

Dark  mystery  of  death  !  I  may  not  break 
The  grave's  dread  silence,  but,  0  mother 

dear, 
Is  it  a  dream  that  thou  art  ever  near. 
And  smik'st  on  me  when  I  sleep  or  wake? 
Is  it  not  granted  thee  e'en  yet  to  take, 
With  that  same  overflowing  tenderness 
That    gave    me    at  thy    knee  the    fond 
caress, 
Kind  note  of  all  my  steps  ?  Let   me    not 
wake. 


100         HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

If  dream  it  be,  that  thou  my  angel  art ; 
That  'tis  thy  presence  with  me,  though 

unseen, 
Which  sometimes  makes  the  tender  tear 

to  start,    . 
And  sometimes  fills  my  soul  with  peace 

serene  ; 
As  when  in  childhood  folded  to  thy  breast, 
Thy  calm  sweet  look  still    charms    my 

griefs  to  rest. 


XIII. 

MRS.  W.  L.  L. 

I. 

kMIE  hath  but  passed  to  heaven.     As  if 
from  sleep, 
Sleep  soft  and    peaceful,  she  awoke  to 

find 
Earth  with  its  pangs  and   tears  all  left 
behind  ; 
Rose  her  freed  spirit  up  the  airy  steep  ; 

On  steady  wing,  beyond  where  pale  stars 
keep 

Their  watch  o'er  mortal  griefs,  she  up- 
ward sped, 

Not  lonely,  but  by  sister  spirits  led, 
To  that  dear  home  where  eyes   do  never 
weep  : 


102         HYMNS  AND  SA  CRED  PIECES. 

Strange  rapture    thrilled    her  there  ;  and 

straight  her   note 
With  sweet  accord  swelled  the  eternal 

hymn 
Of  souls  redeemed,  led  by  the  seraphim; 
Whose  echoes  through  the  circling  ages 

float : 
Now  living,  conscious,  pure    as  angels 

bright, 
With  God  she  dwells  in  everlasting  light. 

II. 

Who  would  recall  her  to  tread  o'er  again 
The  mortal  path  —  from  heaven's  pure 

bliss  recall  ? 
The  wish    were    weakness,  though  fall 
oft  must   fall 
Thick,  blinding  tears  from  eyes  that  once 

were  fain 
To  catch  her  genial    smile,  ne'er   sough" 
in  vain ; 
Though  many  an  hour  fond   hearts  be 
sad  and  lone, 


ETMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES.        103 

And  miss,  and  yearn  once  more  to  drink, 
the  tone 
That  lingers  in  the  ear  like  some  lost  strain  : 

No  —  ye  that  loved    her,  now   to  heaven 
resign, 

Xor  wish  her  from  that  nobler  life  with- 
drawn ; 

The  night  of  grief  shall  pass ;  and  with 
the  morn 
Shall  come  sweet  memories ;    and  a  face 
divine 

With  all  your  worthiest  thoughts  Bhall 
seem  to  blend, 

And  a  fair  form  your  wandering  steps 
attend. 


XIV. 
THE  CHRISTIAN  SOLDIER'S  SLEEP. 

Sergeant  John  Hanson  Thompson. 

feMLLE    softly,    skies!    upon   the  grassy 
grave ; 
Angels!  about  it  holy  vigils  keep; 
Where  calm  reposes,  in  his  dreamless 
sleep, 
The    young    and     manly,  generous    and 

brave : 
Deck  it,  ye  flowers  that  tears  of  love  shall 
lave ; 
Let  faithful  hearts  full  oft  beat  quicker 

there ; 
A  glory  not  of  earth  the  spot  shall  wear ; 
For  He,  the  Lord  of  Life,  that  died  to  save, 
Of  the  still  sleeper  saith  — "  He  is  not  dead  ! 
Whoso  believeth,  he  shall  never  die!" 


HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 


105 


The  mortal  resteth  here ;  the  immortal 

—  sped, 
Swifter  than  wings  or  fleetest  thought 
can   fly, 
Above  yon  burning  stars  — exults  to  climb 
Of  Heaven's  own  Life  the  eternal  heights 
sublime  ! 


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>S2Qi 


li 


XV. 
THE  ANOINTING. 

OHE  came  —  the  sinful  —  while  he  brake 

the  bread, 
Her  broken  heart  now  healed,  and  brim- 
ming o'er 
With  holy  burning  love  ;  she  came  to  pour 
Sweet,  precious    odors    on  that   reverend 

head; 
And — as  by  deep  prophetic  impulse  led  — 
That  sacred  body,  soon  uplifted  high 
'Mid  scorn  and  shame  in  agony  to  die, 
Betimes  to  anoint  for  its  sepulchral  bed. 
Ungrudgingly  she  did  the  loving  deed; 
For  to    that    glowing   heart    no    offering 
seemed, 


HYMNS  -l.v  l>  PIEC1  L07 

Too  rich  for  him —  no  cost  too  dear  -he 
deemed. 

It"  he  with  one  kind    look  the  gift  might 

heed : 
The   Belfish    chid,    pronounced    her  act  a 

crime  : 
He  praised  —  and  hade  it  live  to  latest  time  ! 


XVI. 
THE  ALARM. 

X1E  kept  the  Passover;  it  was  his  last; 
For  now  drew  near  the  great  predestined 

day, 
When    of    man's    mighty    guilt  himself 

should  pay 
With  dying  groans  and  blood  the  ransom 

vast: 
The  cross  was  in  his  eye,  the  hours  flew  fast ; 
Yet  calm  he  sat  and  looked  serenely  round 
On  all  the  twelve ;    while  they  with  awe 

profound, 
And   loving  gaze    on   him,  revolved   the 

past  — 
The  future  from  them  hid :  then  touched 

He  said  — 
"  Of  you  one  shall  betray  me  unto  death  !" 


IIVMXS  AXD  SACKED  PIECES.         109 

At  that  dire  word  betray  —  they  all  did 

start. 
As  if  a  thunder  peal  had  stilled  each  breath, 
Or  sudden  mortal  pang  shot  through  each 

heart : 
Lord  !  Is  it  I?  cadi  cried  with  horrid  dread. 


- 


>/@)S 


s 


XVII. 
THE  EXPULSION. 

1HE  loved  disciple  lay  upon   his  breast, 
Drinking  sweet  influence  from  that  voice 

divine ; 
He  asked,  the  Master  gave  at  once  the  sign 
That  marked  the  traitor,  justified  the  rest. 
Then,  with  convicting  glance,    while   yet 

dismay 
Sat  on  the  faces  of  the  innocent 
He    said  —  and    Judas   knew    the     deep 

intent  — 
"  What   thou    hast  purposed   do   without 

delay." 
Heart-smitten,  out  into  the  murky  night 
Went  he,  foul  demons  ruling  all  his  soul, 


HTMNB  AND  SACRED  PIECES.        Ill 

Ami  floods  of   hate    that  surged  without 

control, 
Then     Jesus      cried — his    eye     beamed 

heavenly    light  — 
Now  shall  the  Son  of  Man, —  betrayed  — 

denied  — 
Before  all  men  by  God  be  glorified! 


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XVIII. 
THE  INSTITUTION. 

_TlE  took  the  bread  and  blessed  it.  Then 

He  brake 
And    gave  to    each,  and  said  —  0  words 

sublime  ! — 
This  is  my  body  broken  !  through  all  time, 
In  memory  of  my  death  this  emblem  take. 
Next  for  the  cup  gave   thanks.     For   his 

dear  sake, 
He  bade   them  taste  the  wine.     Drink,  'tis 

my  blood, 
The  seal  and  witness  of  all  grace  in  God, 
Till  when  the  judgment  trump  the   dead 

shall  wake. 
0  sacred  mystery !  Communion  sweet, 
Of  holy  loving  souls  ! —  in  which  they  flow 


lIYM.vs  AND  SACRED  PrSCSS.        113 

All  into  one  blest  brotherhood,  aud  meet 
Ineffably  their  Lord  ;  and  joy  to  know 

That  at  this  simple  board  they  feast  with 

Him 
Whose  face  unveiled  tires  the  rapt  seraphim ! 


XIX. 
THE  HOLY  BOND. 

A  LITTLE  while— He  said  — and  hence 

I  go; 
And  ye  shall  seek  me,  but  ye  shall  not  find ; 
Ye  may  not  follow  now ;  but  left  behind, 
My  witnesses,  the  world  by  you  shall  know 
The  truth,  that  truth  strike  root  and  grow  ; 
A  holy  kingdom  rise  and  wide  extend ; 
Till  e'en  earth's  proudest   shall  submissive 

bend, 
And  unto  me  all  tribes  and  nations  flow ! 
Behold !  a  new  command  to  you  I  give  ; 
Love  one  another ;  all  who  will  be  mine, 
Let  love  in  one  blest  fellowship  combine, 
That  each  for  all,  and  all  for  each  may  live. 
So,  marked  of  men,  shall   ye  'mid  earth's 

dim  night, 
Divinely  glow  with  pure  celestial  light ! 


fev  fe-j  ;*5  *•-) 


XX. 
GETHSEMAXE. 

&PREAD  thick  above,  ye    clouds,   your 

dusky  veil, 
Hide  from  you  stars  the  Savior's  bitter  woe  ; 
Breathe,  ye  night  winds,  in  murmurs  sad 

and  low, 
Or  lift,  in  fitful  gusts,  your  mournful  wail : 
Listen,  thou  Olivet !  and  Kedron's  vale 
Catch  the  sad  accents  that   are  borne   to 

thee 
From    yonder   shade  —  thine    own    Geth- 

semane  — 
As  when  one  pleadeth,  and  doth  not  prevail. 
See,  to  the  earth  the  holy  Bufferer  sinks; 


116         HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Weighs     on     his    heart    an    anguish    all 

unknown  ; 
Bursts  from  his  lips  the    thrice   repeated 

prayer, 
Yet  firm  his  will  the  utmost  pang  to  bear ; 
Till  for  him    fainting   while  the   cup   he 

drinks, 
Angels    bring    succors   from   the   eternal 

throne ! 


ggKffig-E^HRKBaggEIBSgKg 


I   I.-ifMl 


XXT. 
THE  SACRIFICE 

WoXDER  of   wonders!    On   the   cross 

Ho  dies  ! 
Man  of  the  aires  —  David's  mighty  Son  — 
The  Eternal  Word,  who  spake  and  it  was 

dour. 

What  time,  of  old,  he  formed  the  earth 
and   skies. 

Abashed  be  all  the  wisdom  of  the  wise  ! 

Let  the  wide  earth  through  all  her  king- 
doms know 

The  promised  Lamb  of  God,  whose  blood 
should  flow, 

For  human  guilt  the  grand,  sole  sacrifice: 

No  more  need  altar  smoke,  nor  victim 
bleed  : 

'Tie  finished  1 — the  great  mystery  of  love; 


118        HYMNS  AND  SACRED  PIECES. 

Ye    sin-condemned,   by     this    blood   'tis 

decreed 
Ye    stand    absolved ;    behold     the    curse 

remove  ! 
0  Christ !  thy  deadly  wounds,  thy  mortal 

strife 
Crush  death  and  hell,  and  give  immortal 

life  ! 


uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu 

Gj  Gj  Go  GO  Go  Go  Gj  GO  Go  GO  GO 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 


THE  SPIRIT'S  LIFE. 

The  following  poem  was  delivered  before  the  Literary 
Fraternity,  Waterville  College,  and  the  Porter  Rhetor- 
ical Society,  Theological  Seminary,  Andover,  at  their 
Anniversaries,  August  and  September,  1837. 

i 

VY  HEX    from    her   course,    o'er   stormy 

billows  driven, 
Some  gallant  ship  on  fatal  rocks  is  riven, 
The  hapless  sailor,  cast  upon  the  shore, 
To  see  his  home  and  native  land  no  more, 
Deems  all  around  him  desolate  ;  and  vain 
The  hope  that  he  shall  e'er  he  glad  again  . 
But  when  revolving  years  prolong  his  stay, 
They  steal,    by    slow  degrees,    his    gloom 

away  ; 


120  3IISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Till  used —  the   heart   is    o'er  the   world 

the  same  — 
To  call  it  Home, — he  loves  it  for  the  name. 


So  is  it  with  us  all :  since  when  exiled 

From  the    dear    spot    where    early  Eden 

smiled, 
Where  perfect  man  'mid  perfect  beauty  trod, 

And   innocent,  like  angels,  walked  with 

God, 
Strangers  and  friendless  on  the  lone  world 

thrown, 
We  sigh  for  blooming  seats  no  more  our 

own : 
But    doomed    returnless,  wisdom  bids  us 

prove 
What  ills  we  may  but  suffer,  what  remove : 
By  hard  experience    taught  the  priceless 

skill 
From  sorrow  joy  to  draw,  and  good  from  ill, 
Yet  a  few  flowers  we  teach  around  to  grow, 
And   though   we    reach  not  bliss,  escape 

from  woe. 


mtscei  i  a  into  i  ns  pi  eces.         i  2 1 

We    live  a  twofold   life;    The   grosser 
ise, 

Allied  to  earth,  must    draw  its  life  from 

thence ; 
A  life  oft  harrassed  by  unfilled  desire, 
Whose    joys    are    transient,    and    whose 

hopes  expire : 
Not  by  the  noble  mind  too  highly  prized, 
Nor  yet,  by  God  appointed,  all  despised. 

The  Spirit  of  an  essence  half  divine, 
Hath  its  own  proper  life  ;  nor  may  resign 
The  high  prerogative,  that  bids  transcend 
Dull  sense,  and  make  the  invisible  its  end, 
Its  home  the  universe.  It  LIVES  but  where 
It  finds  the  Perfect,  and  the  True,  and 
Fair. 

Xot  they  who  eager  throng  the  crowded 
mart 
Where  fortune  waits  her  favors  to  impart; 
Nor  they  who  Bit  where  pleasure  wreaths 

her  bower: 
Nor  they    who    eliinb    the    giddy   heights 
power; 


122  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Nor  they  who  curious  rove  from  clime  to 

clime ; 
Nor  they  whom  learning  tempts  to  plun- 
der time  ; 
Attain  what  may  the  inward  thirst  supply, 
And  gild  life's  moments  as  they  hasten  by : 
Tis  theirs  whose  youth,  whose  manhood, 

and  whose  age 
The    Beautiful,    the    True,    the    Good, 
engage. 

Say  what  is  Beauty,  and  direct  us  where. 
What  hearts   may  feel,  but   never  words 

declare. 
'Tis  nature's  mystery; — a   silent  spell, 
That  chains  the   soul  like  music's  gifted 

shell : 
'Tis  the  pleased  spirit's  harmony  ;  the  thrill 
Of  chords  by  unseen  fiugers  touched  with 

skill  : 
Of  power  to  calm,  when  stormy  passions 

move, 
And  wake  the  soul  to  tenderness  and  love. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PLECES.  123 

Where  Lb  it,  askest  thou?    expand  thy 

soul 
To  grasp  of  finite  things  the  mighty  whole  : 
Scan  with  attentive  eye  each  part  in  turn  ; 
The  stars  that  glitter,  and   the  suns  that 

burn. 
Far  as  the  assisted  orb  can  stretch  its  view : 
The    broad   expanse,    where    God's    own 

finger  drew 
The  path  of  moving  worlds,  through  which 

they  urge 
Eternally  their  flight,  nor  once  diverge: 
The  azure  air  —  where  fleecy  clouds  repose, 
And  float  majestic  as  it  ebbs  and  flows ; 
Or  kindle  in  the  sun's  departing  glow ; 
Or,  darkly  frowning,  arch  the  mystic  bow  : 
The  sea  —  that  moaning  heaves  its  foam- 
ing crest, 
Or    sleeps  unruffled,    when  the   tempests 

rest: 
The  earth  —  that  once  accursed  when  sin 

began, 
•  tful  of  the  wrong  still  blooms  for  man : 
Morn  —  when  it  purples  all  the  eastern  hill : 


124  MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 

Eve  —  when  the  stars  are  mirrored  in  the 

rill: 
All  nature's  noble  face  is  bright  and  fair, 
The  smile  of  beauty  plays  for  ever  there. 

But  nicer  shades  the  searching  eye  may 

trace ; 
Minuter  study  shows  diviner  grace: 
Each  single  object,   perfect  in  each  part, 
Each  scene    complete,  with    wonder  fills 

the  heart. 

Exchange  the  busy  city,  or  the  town, 
For  the  lone  wilderness.     There  sit  thee 

down 
"Where   waves    the    pine   amid   the   clear 

blue  sky, 
And  greets  the  breathing  zephyr   with  a 

sigh  : 
The  Gothic  fir,  that  lifts  its  head  in  pride, 
Nor    bows,   though    tempests   sweep   the 

forest  wide, 
Stands  in  still  majesty.     Encircling  round, 


MTSCBL  I.  A  NBO I  B  PISCES.  1  25 

A  thousand  names  in  wild  disorder  found, 

Blend  all  their  thousand  shades  of  varied 

green, 
And   open  far  retreating  glades  hetween. 
Like  a    fair   child  at   play,  the  mountain 

stream 
Leaps  babbling  by,  and    sparkles   in   the 

beam 
That  falls    where    parted    boughs  a  path 

disclose  : 
Athwart  the  old  moss  oak  its  long  arms 

throws. 
As  age  bends  over  youth;  while  o'er  the 

brink, 
The    rose  and  lily  stoop,  as  if  to  drink. 
The  timid  fawn  is  there  to  slake  his  thirst : 
The  thrasher  and  the  blue  jay  safe  have 

nursed 
Their  unfledged    young,  and    pour   their 

el  ear  wild  notes, 
That  one  may  deem  an  angel  chorus  floats: 
Ami  flowers   by  God's  own  care  unnum- 
bered spring. 
Ami    "mid  the  maze  of    beauty  fragrance 

fliner. 


126  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Turn    next    where    man    essays,    with 

patient  toil, 

To  disembowel  earth;  and  mark  the  spoil 

Which  forth  he  drags,  his  labor  to  repay. 

See  where    the  sunbeams  on    the    crystal 

Pla7> 
Or  fall,    refracted   by  the  brilliant  gem, 

Destined  to  grace  a  monarch's  diadem; 
Note  the  bright  masses  of  the  precious  ore, 
Henceforth   to  swell   the   rich  man's  cof- 
fered store: 
On  all  the  products  of  the  teeming  mine, 
Beauty  is  writ  in  characters  divine. 

Or,    leaving     nature,     fix    thy     roving 

thought 
On  the  fair  works  that  human  skill  hath 

wrought. 
Eternal  Rome's   proud  Vatican  go  tread  ; 
Rich  mausoleum  of  the  gifted  dead  : 
Where  sculpture   bids  the  marble  bosom 

heave, 
The  lip  to  utter,  and  the  eye  to  grieve ; 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  127 

Give  to  the  wretch  Laocodn  a  tear; 
Or  gaze  in  silence  on  the  Belvidere; 

Pause  where,  with  pencil  dipped  in  magic 

dye, 
Tainting  transcends  all  hues  of  earth  and 

sky  : 
And  while  thy  rapt  soul  feels  the  mighty 

spell 
Of  gorgeous  Titian,  or  bold  Raphael, 
That  fixed  in  wonder,  thou    eouldst   ever 

wait, 
Learn  what  the  beauty  genius  can  create. 

And  there  is  beauty  on  the  classic  page  ; 
Immortal  product  of  each  perished  age: 
Where  graphic  Homer,  master  of  the  lyre, 
Or  melts  to  pity,  or  inflames  to  ire  : 
Where  Plato,  half  divine,  intensely  soars, 
And  wide  anfathomed  realms  of  thought 

explores  i 
Where  breathes,  chaste  Virgil,  thy  Bweel 

tuneful  lay ; 
Or  the  thronged  forum  owns  rich  Tally's 

sway ; 


128  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Or  where   Petrarca  sighs  in  later  time; 
Or  Dante's  numbers  roll  —  dark  —  wild  — 

sublime : 
Or  our  own  Milton,  with  adventurous  flight, 
Sweeps  heaven  and  hell,  and  *  chaos  and 

old  night:' 
Where  gentle  Addison   provokes  a   smile, 
And  to  fair  virtue  wins  the  heart  the  while ; 
Or  splendid  Burke  pours  his  exhaustless 

stream ; 
Or  Johnson  kindles  on  the  moral  theme. 

But    close  the  eye   of  sense,  and  thou 

shalt  find 
Yet   fairer  forms  of  beauty  in  the  mind. 
The  inward  eye   hath  vision  more  serene  ; 
It  sees  a  world  no  eye  of  sense  hath  seen  ; 
Ideal  all  —  transcendent  —  ever  bright : 
Imagination  thither  bends  her  flight; 
Bids  the  charmed  soul  'mid  radiant  forms 

to  range, 
And  hues  that  fade  not,  yet  forever  change ; 
And   there    where    soft    eternal  sunlight 

gleams, 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  129 

Find  calm  repose,  and  dream  bright  glori- 
ous dreams ! 

And  what  is  Truth  ?     Thou  Source  of 
truth  benign, 
Light  in  whoso  light  we  see,  to  say  is  thine  ! 
'Tis  the  great  sum  of   all  thy  will    hath 

wrought  : 
The  antitype  of  thine  eternal  thought. 

Go,  grave    inquirer,    search    the    plan 

profound. 
Of  God  ordained,  or  ever  years  rolled  round! 
Which  firmly  fixed  what  nature's  laws  we 

call, 
That  hid  the  planet  roll,  the  pehhle  fall: 
That  atoms  join,  by  close  attraction  held, 
Or  sever,  by  repulsive  force   impelled ; 
That  sond  the  Spring's  sweet   blush,  the 

Summer's  bloom, 
The  Autumn's    riches,  and  the    Winter's 

gloom ; 
That  all  the  changes  of  all  things  control, 
And  bind  in  wondrous  harmony  the  whole. 


130  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Enter    man's    inmost   soul;  the  search 

pursue : 
A  voice,  than   Delphic    oracle  more    true, 
Shall   utter  its  response,  nor  once  deceive 
What  ear  may  listen,  or  what  heart  believe  ; 
Shall  whisper  truth  by  intuition  taught, 
Or    drawn   by  reason    from  the  wells  of 

thought : 
Shall  bid  thee  to  the  Infinite  ascend, 
To  God,  Eternity,  thy  being's  end; 
Keveal    thee    subject    to   the   changeless 

throne, 
And  speak  unending  ages  all  thine  own. 

The  Book  of  God  unfold.  There  radiant 

shine, 
By  his  own  Spirit  written,  truths  divine. 
Lo  !  where  thick  clouds  and  flame  his  way 

attend, 
On    shuddering    Sinai's    top    the     Lord 

descend ! 
While    the     shrill     trump     affrights    the 

startled  ear, 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  131 

And  thrills  the  heart,  rebellious  ferae]  hear 
Man's  sum  oi'  duty  down  to  latest  time, 
By  God's    own    awful   vo'n-c    pronounced 

Bublime. 
The  harp  of  Prophecy,  in  lofty  lays, 
{'ours  the  rich  notes  of  truth  in  after  days  : 
Till    He    whose    name  is  Truth  —  bright 

morning  Star  — 
Bursts  on  the  world  and  spreads  his  beams 

afar  ! 

0  sacred  Truth  !  Say  if  thou  may'st  be 

found 
Above,  beneath,  within   us  and  around; 
Why  from    the  many    liest  thou  all  com 

cealed  ? 
Why  to  the  favored  few  alone  revealed? 
Methinkfl  I  hear  thy  gentle  voice  reply. 
'Tis  these  alone  that  search  with  single  eye  : 
The  many,  or  with  pride  or  passion  blind, 
But  .-rem  to  seek,  and  therefore  may  not 

find. 
The  schoolman,  learned,  mystical,  acute; 


132  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

The  pedant,  vain,   conceited,  and  astute ; 
The  skeptic,  ever  on  suspicion  bent, 
To  evidence  too  weak  to  yield  assent; 
The  caviller,  who  each  argument  gainsays, 
Of  tact  or  wit  ambitious  of  the  praise ; 
The  reckless,  wTho,  if  Truth  or  stand  or  fall, 
Alike  unheeding,  never  think  at  all; 
Such,  self-deluded,  I  forsake  to  cheer 
The  childlike  spirit,  humble  yet  sincere. 

Celestial  Goodness  !  may  we  speak  thy 
name, 

Nor  feel  each  cheek  consume  with  burn- 
ing shame  ? 

We've  banished  thee!  Yet  deign 'st  thou 
to  return, 

With  them  to  linger  who  unheed  or  spurn  ? 

Ah  !  how  unlike  this  sombre  world  of 
crime, 

Of  violence,  and  wrath,  to  that  fair  clime, 

Thy  native  seat,  where  myriad  harps  are 
strung 

To  hymn  thy  praise,  and  dulcet  strains 
are  sung ! 


uiaoMi  I.  1 XEO  US  PIECES.  133 

Earth's  hapless  region,  grating  discords  fill ; 

Dark  malice  roams  unchained,  intent  on  ill, 
Ami  leering  envy  lurks  in  many  a  breast, 
And  reign  insatiate  lusts  that  know  no  rest: 
Now  calumny  lets  fly  the  envenomed  shaft; 
Now  murder  grimly    pours   the  noxious 

draught : 
Or  strength  gives  weakness  to  rewardless 

toil  ; 
Or  lawless  rapine  revels  in  its  spoil; 
War  fiercely  waves  the    desolating  brand, 
And  scatters  ruin  o'er  a  smiling  land  ; 
And  peaceful    where    the    towering   city 

stood, 
Leaves  smouldering  ruins  reeking  human 

blood. 

Yet  Goodness   hath    not  bid  the  earth 

farewell. 
Come  with  me  to    yon  lowly  cot,  where 

dwell 
Want's  wretched  children.     Pale   disease 

is  there: 
The     ghastly     cheek    and     wasted    limbs 

declare 


134  'MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Its  mortal  ravages  :  the  fevered  head 
Throbs  restless  on  the  hard  and  cheerless 

bed: 
It  is  a  widow  pines ;  doomed  to  behold 
Victims  of  hunger,    nakedness  and  cold, 
Her  lonely  babes  ;  and  many  a  bitter  tear 

Weeps  for  them  fatherless  —  no  friend  is 

near ! 
But    stay.     Like   some   kind   ministering 

angel  sent, 
A  gentle  stranger  comes,  to  soothe  intent 
The  sufferer's  anguish,  and  to  bring  relief 
To  instant  woes  ;    while  for  the  soul's  deep 

grief, 

She  offers  balm  eternal  love  hath  given, 
And    points    the    dying   eye  to  God  and 
Heaven  ! 

Come    listen    to    the    pining  prisoner's 
moan : 
'Mid  the  deep  dungeon's  gloom,  despond- 
ing, lone, 
He  lies  immured,  remote  from  cheerful  day, 
To  noxious  air  and  foul  disease  a  prey. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIEC1  9  135 

Xo    mother's    love —  do    tender    Bister's 

smile  — 
Xo  wife's  caress  — the  dreary  hoursbeguile  ; 
To«>   blest   might  end    his    anguish   with 

his  breath, 
Impatient  chides  he  the  Blow  pace  of  Death. 
Bark!     swings     the     massy     door    with 

grating  sound  ! 
?Tis  but  the  warder  treads  his  daily  round: 
Xo !  there    are   tones  of    kindness:    how 

they  roll 
Like  waves  of  blessedness  o'er  that  crushed 

soul, 
Long  —  long  resigned  to  desolate  despair! 
Some  Howard,  breathing  goodness  enters 

there. 

"Where  Gunga  wanders    to  the   distant 

main, 
Embanked  by  epicy  grove  and   blooming 

plain, 
Come  Bit  thee  down  awhile.  The  Bultrv  day 
Is  o'er  :  and  gorgeous  twilight  fades  away 
In   the    far   west;     COOl   down    the   rippling 

stream 


1 36  MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 

The  perfumed  breezes  sweep,  while  every 

beam 
The  moon  lets  fall  from  the  transparent  sky 
To  greet  the  wave,  reflected  meets  the  eye. 
And  all  is  silent,  save  the  measured  dash 
Of  yonder  oars,  that  in  the  soft  light  flash. 
How  beautiful !     But  hark  !  that  piercing 

cry, 
That    tells    some    tortured    heart's    deep 

agony ! 
See  — 'tis  a  mother !    and   her  arm   hath 

prest 
Her  cherub  infant  closely  to  her  breast ! 
Ah !    'tis  her   last   embrace,    or   e'er   she 

throws, 
And   o'er  the  innocent  the  waters  close ! 
Stay,  frantic  mother !    nor   unclasp   thine 

arm ! 
Lay  not  thine  hand  upon  thy  babe  for  harm ! 
A  voice  as  if  from  heaven,  ere  yet  too  late, 
Prevents   the  sacrifice  —  arrests  the  fate. 
Yes  !  there   is  one  shall  bid  that  mother 

care, 


WIECBLLANE0TT8  PIECES.  137 

With  nature's  yearning,  for  the  babe  Bhe 

bare  : 

From  home  self-banished,  and  from  kin- 
dred dear. 

He  came  to  light  her  soul,  to  calm  her  fear; 

And  so  he  may  but  lift  ber  thoughts  on  high, 
Benta  neath  burning  suns  to  toil  and 
die! 

If  finite  Goodness  move  thee  to  admire, 
Thy  soul  shall  to  the  perfect  next  aspire  : 
Thirst  for  the  Infinite,  resigned  no  more 
To  dwell  with  sin  and  bate,  and  upwards 

soar : 
Through   purer   regions,    worlds  serenely 

bright, 
And  ranks    of    spotless  beings,    urge    its 

flight; 
And  past  all  things  create,  shall  lastascebd 
To  God  Supreme,  in  Him  the  quest  to  end. 

O  come  the  better  day,  when  every  erale 
That  sweeps  from  heaving    hill    or  -tinny 
vale, 


138  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Shall  sweetly  breathe  of  purity  and  peace  ! 
When  passion's  rage  and  party  strife  shall 

cease : 
When  Learning,  from  her  venerated  halls, 
Shall    send    forth    sons    whom   no  fierce 

summons  calls 
To  noisy  conflict,  that  lays  waste  the  mind, 
]N"or  leaves  one  noble  sympathy  behind ; 
When  like  the  surges  spent  upon  the  shore, 
The  waves  of  tumult  shall  forget  to  roar : 
Society  grow  calm;  and  men  begin, 
Withdrawn    from   outward   life,    to    live 

within. 
That    life    earth's  every   joy  shall    twice 

endear ; 
Give  nature  language,  and  the  soul  an  ear; 
Make  reason  utter  truth,  the  soul  approve, 
And  pure  affections  the  pure  spirit  move  ! 


Ah !    who    would    quench    the    nobler 
spirit's  fire 
In  sensual  life — the  life  of  low  desire? 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES,  139 

Who    spurn    the    holy    birthright  nature 

gave, 
To  he  ambition's  tool,  and  pleasure's  slave? 
such,  inglorious  and  perversely  blind, 
Grasp  meaner    things,   and  madly  starve 

the  mind  ; 
Ignoble  let  them  live,  and  nameless  die, 
And  'Infamy'  be  written  where  they  lie! 

But  ye,  whom  loftier  purposes  impel 
To  choose  the  richer  meed  of  living  well : 
Who  feel  the     spirit's    heaven    enkindled 

flame 
Mount  upward  to  the  source  from  whence 

it  came  ; 
And  nerve  your  fervent  souls  for  worthier 

strife, 
Instinct  with  inward  energy  and  life  : 
Ye  gaze,  alternate  filled  with  hopes  and 

fears, 
Adown  the  vista  of  approaching  years, 
As    conscious    many  a  >t«>rin  shall  fierce 

assail, 
And  trembling,  lest  or  strength   or  cour- 
se foil: 


140 


MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 


That  ye  may  calm  abide,  when  billows  roll, 
Commune  with  God  —  with  Nature  —  and 

the  Soul : 
Nurture  the  Spirit  with  a  Spirit's  food ; 
Oh!    love    the    Beautiful  —  the  True  — 

the  Good  ! 


Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu 

c  CO  Co  co  Co  oo  co 


II. 
THE  MONKS  OF  CHESTER. 

I  felt  as  I  wound  my  way  along  the  echoing  passages, 
a  solemn  awe,  ami  a  vague  ami  indescribable  sympathy 
with  the  long  forgotten  past.  My  imagination  restored 
the  old  Monk-  to  life. — Author's  Sketches. 

W  HERE  are  they  then?    those  hooded 
men. 

Whose  footfalls  now  no  more, 
Yon  arches  echo  back  again 

That  echoed  oft  of  yore  ? 

Here,  in  the  olden  time,  they  strolled 

Dg  the  well-worn   aisle, 
And  swelled  the  solemn  chant,  that  rolled 
Through  all  the  massy  pile! 

reverend   Abbot  trim  and  sleek, 
"With  well  feigned  look  demure, 
The  burly  friar  whose  aspect  meek 
Expressed  devotion  pure  — 


142  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Here  dwelt  in  yonder  cloisters  grim ; 

And  oft  were  seen  to  glide 
Through  those  old  winding  galleries  dim, 

Like  ghosts  at  eventide. 

Yon  vaults  well  filled  with  rosy  wine, 
The  larder  with  good  cheer, 

Well  pleased  they  could  the  ivorld  resign, 
To  tell  their  Aves  here  ! 

When  round  that  stern  old  tower  the  storm 

Howled  dismally  and  wild, 
In  yon  refectory  bright  and  warm, 

The  well  spread  banquet  smiled. 

Round  went  the  goblet,  and  each  quaff 
Warmed  each  glad  heart  the  more ; 

Round  went  the  song  —  the  jovial   laugh 
Burst  forth  in  loud  uproar! 

Nor  died  away  —  till  from  above, 
With  measured  solemn  peal, 

The  midnight  hour  was  told, —  their  love, 
And  self-denying  zeal! 


MISCELLANEOUS  I'll 


L43 


Oil  where  are  these  good  Fathers  now? 

The  crumbling  walls  ask  —  Where? 
O'er  those  Bepnlchral  pavements  bow 

And  ask, —  They  slumber  there  ! 


III. 

CLOUDS. 

W  E  looked  when   wintry   winds  should 

sweep, 
For  bright  blue  skies  and  clear  keen  air, 
That  should  all  life  in  motion  keep, 
Make  glad  the  soul  to  its  lowest  deep  ; 
Should  bid  9.11  faces  a  lustre  wear, 
Give  nerve  to  climb  the  slippery  steep, 
Or  over  the  smooth  ice  firm  and  strong, 
With  glee  and  shouting  to  course  along. 

But  dull  gray  clouds  for  days  have  spread 
O'er  the  wide  arching  heaven ;  and  earth 
Hath  lost  its  smile,  its  glow  hath  fled, 
As  if  no  sun  were  high  o'er  head ; 
And  hearts  are  heavy,  and  joy  and  mirth 
Are  half  suppressed,  or  wholly  dead: 


MISt  'EL  l .  I  NEO I  E  FISt  'ES.  145 

Lift  hath  put  dd  a  Bombre  hue, 

And  eyes  look  drooping  and  words  arc  few. 

So  nicely  are  our  spirits  strung 
Responsive  to  each  sound  or  sight; 
The  plaintive  wail  by  the  wild  wind  sung, 
The  leaden   look  of  the  sky  o'crhung 
With  vapors  that  darken  the   day's  pure 

light, 
Bring  sadness,  like  cypress  shadows  flung 
Darkly  athwart  our  path,  till  slow 
And  solemn  the  tread,  as  we  come  and  go. 

Break  forth,  bright  ever  shining  sun! 
These  hrooding  earth-born  mists  dispel; 
In  the  blue  serene  thy  circuit  run, 
ruining  thy  splendor  till   day  is  done  — 
Till  with  glad  thoughts  our  bosoms  swell, 
And  all   life  seems  as  if  fresh  begun: 
Full  of  vigor  and  hope  and  power, 
Crowding  with  deeds  each  joyous  hour. 

Oh  for  that  fairer  clime  where  flow 
Eternal   days  of  health  and  gladness! 


146 


MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 


Where  never  a  howling  wind  shall  blow, 
Nor  cloud  the  gloom  of  its  shadows  throw, 
To  tinge  the  immortal  life  with  sadness ; 
No  dreary  moments  that  life  shall  know, 
For  while  the  unending  cycles  fill, 
The  unveiled  throne  shall  he  cloudless 
still ! 


IV. 
THE  SONG  OF  THE  SEVEN 

Auld  Lang  Syne. 

These  stanzas  owe  their  origin  to  a  delightful  tour  to 
the  White  Mountain  region,  several  years  since,  by 
"the  seven''  in  their  own  carriages.  After  wandering 
ral  days  together  among  the  glorious  scenery, 
they  ended  with  an  Oration  by  one  of  the  company  and 
the  Song  of  the  Seven,  by  another,  at  the  hotel  of  the 
pretty  village  of  Ossipee. 

W  El  Bbvbn  kind  souls,  by  friendly  chance, 

Together  hold  our  way: 
All  with  one  impulse  we  advance, 

(  >r  with  one  will  we  stay. 


Far  —  i'ar  away  each  well-loved  home, 

Our  absence  may  regret; 
But  since  awhile  we  most   roam, 

We  joy  that  we  are  met. 


148  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

These  gliding  days  have  seen  us  climb 

The  mountain's  lofty  side, 
And  from  the  top,  all  grey  with  time, 

Gain  prospects  rich  and  wide. 

The  valley  sweet,  the  wandering  stream, 
Green  woods  and  arching  skies, 

Have  seemed  like  some  bright,  lovely  dream 
To  our  enraptured  eyes. 

The  winding  ride  o'er  plain  and  hill, 

With  everchanging  scene, 
The  headlong  brook,  the  gentle  rill, 

Calm  lakes  green  slopes  between  : 

The  basin  in  the  solid  rock, 

Where    crystal  waters    lie ; 
The  dell  'neath  cliffs  by  some  rude  shock 

Left  frowning  dark  and  high: 

Where,  when  o'er  all  the  moon-beams  sleep, 
And  silence  reigns  profound, 

Fairies  may  bathe,   and  vigils  keep, 
And  lightly  trip  it  round: 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  149 

Oft  coming  the  rough  way  to  smooth, 
The  cup  of  balmy  Tea  :l 

And  oft  our  weariness  to  soothe, 
The  merry  Laugh  and  glee: 

The  morning  when,  each  day,  begin 
Fresh  joys  and  fresh  desire; 

The   social   evening  at  the  Inn, 
Where  climbs  some  village  spire: 

The  peaceful  hour  of  prayer,  the  day 

Of  holy  Sabhath  rest, 
When  bidding  earth's  best  joys  away, 

We  worshipped  and  were  blest: 

All  these  our  memories  shall  keep, 
While  years  shall  wing  their  flight, 

As  gems  in  fountains  clear  and  deep, 
Lie  sparkling  pure  and  bright. 


1  A  beverage  of  which  one  of  the  seven  was  particu- 
larly fond,  and  which  at  every  hotel  he  gave  particular 
directions  to  have  made  strong  .' 


150  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

All  lovely  forms,  and  shapes  sublime, 

Shall  float  before  us  long; 
Shall  tempt  aspiring  thought  to  climb, 

Or  wake  the  breathing  song. 

When  scattered  far,  and  toil  and  care 
Shall  cloud  the  troubled  brow ; 

Fresh  smiles,  the  thought  shall  kindle  there 
Of  pleasures  tasted  now. 

When   wanderings   cease   with   us — The 
Seven, 
Life's  weary  way  all  trod  — 
May   friendship's    chain   grow    bright  in 
heaven 
Around  the  throne  of  God! 


V. 
THE  VOICE  OF  FREEDOM. 

The  Nebraska  Bill,  1854. 

-LIS  Freedom's  voice,  the  joyous  tone 

Swells  loud  and  far  o'er  sea  and  main : 
The  tyrant,  on  his  tottering  throne, 

Shall  strive  to  bush  that  shout  in  vain  : 
Man,  long  oppressed,  awakes,  and  stands 
With  soul  erect,  and  stalwart  hands. 

Breaks  the  bright  morn,  in  days  of  yore 
By  holy  seers  so  fondly  sung, 

When  crashed  by  wrong  to  earth  no  more, 
The  chains  shall  from  his  arms  be  flung  ; 

When  all  that   feel  oppression's  rod, 

Shall  tread  the  earth  —  the  freed  of  God. 

Once  waked  and  fired,  the  God-like  soul 
.Sleeps   Dot  again  ;   no  force   can  stay 


152  MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 

The  glancing  thought  that  spurns  control ; 

Truths  on  it  flash,  as  lightnings  play, 
While  clouds  and  darkness  thick  surround 
And  thunders  shake  the  solid  ground. 

From  Tiber's  banks,  from  Arno  fair: 
From  many  an  Alpine  cliff  and  glen ; 

From    Rhone  and    Rhine  ;  from  Danube 
where 
The  Magyar  waits  to  strike  again : 

Come  murmurs  which  the  day  fortell, 

When  sounds  the  last  oppressor's  knell  ! 

E'en  the  stern  Turk  has  caught  the  word, 
And  Mejid  swears  in  Freedom's  name ; 

For  Freedom  flashes  Omar's  sword, 
And    Schamyll   burns   with   Freedom's 
flame; 

O'er  Asia's  plains  her  echoes  sweep, 

And  China  breaks  her  ancient  sleep. 

My  native  land  !  my  native  land  ! 

Art  thou  not  Freedom's  chosen  home? 
Her  place  of  rest,  where  many  a  band 

Of  sorrowing  exiles  cease  to  roam? 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  153 

Joy — joy  to  see  the  nations  wake 
To  lofty  deeds  for  Freedom's  sake! 

Ah!— joy    thou    shouldst ;    but   burning 
Bhame 

Mounts  to  the  cheek,  to  think  that  thou, 
Mother  of  heroes  who  o'ercame 

In  Freedom's  holy  cause,  shouldst  now 
Permit  the  bondman's  groans  to  rise 
And  cry  against  thee  to  the  Bkies  ! 

Shade  of  Virginia's  mighty  son! 

Disturbed  it  not  thy  peaceful  sleep  — 
That  deed  of  wrong,  ignobly  d< 

A  faultless  woman  doomed  to  weep? 
Woman  —  the  generous,  noble,  kind, 
Virginia,  thou  hast  stooped  to  bind!1 

To  bind  for  tender  pity  shown 

To  captives  who  thy  bondage  hear: 
For   Christ-like    love,   that   should    have 
vn 

1  A  respectable  lady  was  just    before   imprisoned  in 
Virginia  f»r  teaching  some  colored  children  to  read. 


154  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

The  seeds  of  truth  bedewed  by  prayer. 
In  saddened  hearts  by  thee  consigned 
To  shades  that  dim  the  immortal  mind  ! 

Land  of  my  birth !  shall  virtue  be 
In  thee  a  prisoner  sent  to  dwell, 

Oppression's  martyr  —  while  I  see 
False,  recreant  statesmen,  Freedom  sell? 

The  world's  deep  scorn   the   man   must 
brave 

Who  gives  Nebraska  to  the  slave  ! 


VI. 
NATURE. 

JL  WAS  morn  —  a  beautiful  morn  of  May  ; 

I  sought  to  refresh  an  exhausted  mind ; 
And  I  led  from  the  stable  my  faithful  bay, 
And  toward  the  deep  forest  I  took  my  way, 

Leaving  men  and  their  haunts  behind. 

My  path  was  lonely  and  rude  ;  it  wound 
A  devious   way    over   hill   and  through 
glen; 
Of  the  tree-felling  axe  there  was  heard  no 

sound, 
But  the  grandeur  of   nature  unmarred    1 
found. 
As  if  Eden  had  bloomed  again. 


156  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

I  pause  and  listen  !  and  hark  the  sigh 
Of   the    soft  wind  stealing  among  the 
trees ; 
And  see  !  the   pine  waves  'mid  the  clear 

hlue  sky, 
And  the  fir  as  it  lifts  its  proud  head  on 
high, 
Just  nods  to  the  passing  breeze. 

There  a  mountain    stream    down  a  deep 
ravine 
Leaps  babbling  by  like  a  child  at  play  — 
O'erbending  the  old  moss  oak  is  seen, 
Like    age    over    youth — as     the     rocks 
between, 
It  rushes  with  foam  and  spray. 

From  the  wanton  school-boy's  eye  remote, 
The  birds  here  nurture  their  unfledged 
young  ; 
And   the   Robin,  the   Thrasher,  the  Blue 

Jay's  note, 
Like  a  chorus  of  angels  seems  to  float 
The  wild  forest  boughs  among. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  157 

The  squirrel  peeps  from  his  suug  retreat, 
Iu  the  hollow  trunk  of  an  aged  tree, 

And  along  the  bough  trips  with  his  fairy 
feet, 

And  frisks  his  tail  as  he  takes  his  seat, 
As  if  to  contemplate  me  ! 

Where  yonder  cliff  lifts  its  bald  blue  head, 

On  a  leafless  branch  sits  an  eagle  proud  ; 

Scared  at  the  sound  of  the  horse's  tread, 

His  broad  brown  pinions  are  slowly  spread, 

And  he  soars  to  the  floating  cloud. 

0  nature !  how  pure,  how  majestic  thou ! 

I  joy  to  behold  thee  thus  lonely  and  wild ; 
And  whene'er  I  gaze  on  thy  beauty  as  now, 
To  the  Fountain  of  Beauty  my  soul  would 
bow, — 

And  love  like  a  dutiful  child.1 


1  This  piece  was  written  earlier  than  the  '  Spirit's  Life  ;' 
and  three  or  four  lines  were  transferred  from  it  to  that. 


ShShXhXhSh 


VII. 

PRESIDENT  LINCOLN'S  PROCLAMATION. 

Let  my  people  go  ! 

_L  IS  done  — 'tis  clone  !  the  word  is  spoken  ; 

Oppression's  final  hour  is  nigh; 
The  spell  dissolves ;  the  charm  is  broken  ; 
Freedom's  glad  shout  shall. rend  the  sky  ! 

On  the  great  dial-plate  of  ages, 

The  light  advanced,  no  more  recedes ; 

On  and  yet  on,  the  historic  pages 
Reveal  God's  march  to  him  that  reads  ! 

His  word  of  ancient  promise  keeping, 

That  wrong  at  last  shall  yield  to  right, 
He    comes  —  no   more   His  justice    sleep 
ing  — 
For  judgment  comes,  and  clothed  with 
might ! 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  159 

His  ear  hath  heard  the  bondman's  groaning: 

His  Laud,  of  wrongs  the  score  hath  kept ; 
His     eye     hath    marked    when   mothers 
moaning 
Like  Rachel,  for  their  children   wrept. 

As  through  the  Land  of  Kile  resounding, 
His  voice  rang  out  —  Let  Israel  go  ! 

So  rings  it  now,  clear,  loud,  confounding, 
To  ears  that  well  the  mandate  know. 

Like  some  swift,  cleaving  hi ow,  'tis  falling 
On  proud  rebellion's  vaunting  crest; 

The   loyal  and  the  brave  'tis  calling 
To  stand  for  freedom,  breast  to  breast. 

0  ye  who  long  in  hopeless  sorrow, 
Have   toiled,    and  wept,   and    seen    no 
dawn, 

There  breaks,  at  length,  a  glad  to-morrow  ; 
Wake  !  wake  !  and  hail  the  joyous  morn. 

'Tis  freedom's  day !  Its  splendor  glancing 
From  hill  to  vale  shall  flood  the  land ; 


160  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

'Tis  freedom's  sun  to  noon  advancing: 
Chains   burst  —  they   drop   from    every 
hand! 

Oh  !  not  in  vain  that  blood  is  flowing 
That  stains  yon  fields  of  gory  strife ; 

With  loftier  hopes  and  wishes  glowing, 
Millions  are   born  to  nobler   life. 

With  freedom's  flame  glad  hearts  are 
burning ; 

They  throb  with  joy  before  unknown ; 
To   visions   bright  glad  eyes  are  turning, 

Gleams  of  a  future  all  their  own. 

God  haste   it !  Holy  souls   are  praying, 
Come    freedom's     hour    with    swiftest 
speed ! 

God  haste  it !  long  —  ah  !  long  delaying, 
Now  —  now  —  our  hosts  to  victory  lead  ! 


^5*  y^gfif^f  yv?^y;<f>?  ^^^^^s  »?^g%y;<y>?  v>-*^y  oi  ?®^ 


VIII. 

MORNING  WATCHES. 
By  the  Seaside,  Little  Compton,  R.  I. 

J. IS  not  jet  dawn;  from  troubled  sleep 
And  strange  bewildering  dreams  I  rise: 
Here  at  the  casement  will  I  keep 
Still  vigils  with  the  sea^and  skies: 
I  know  not  why,  a  tender  sadness 
Broods  o'er  my  spirit  at  this  hour ; 
Perchance     the    dawn     may     bring     me 

gladness, 
And  give  my  soul  fresh  hope  and  power. 

Yon  ocean,  stretching  far  away, 
Blends  in  the  darkness  with  the  sky, 
Hither  its  low,  dull  murmurs  stray, 
Kow  hoarsely  swell,  now  sink  and  die : 
That  restless  sea  is  heaving  ever, 
Kissed  by  the  breeze  or  tempest  tost, 


162  MISCELLANEO  US  PIECES. 

Type  of  the  soul  that  resteth  never, 
By  pleasure  stirred,  by  sorrow  crossed. 

But  see  —  o'er  yonder  deep  afar, 
Wreathed  in  soft  mist,  yet  purely  bright, 
Ascends  the  glorious  morning  star, 
And  sheds  serene  her  placid  light  : 
Sweet     pledge     of   day ! —  thy    radiance 

glowing 
O'er  the  dim  ocean's  heaving  breast, 
Like  some  kind  influence  thro'  me  flowing. 
Brings  to  my  spirit  peace  and  rest. 

Oh,  ever  when  'mid  trouble's  night, 
With  drooping  hope  and  saddened  heart, 
I  wait  and  watch  for  cheering  light, 
And  falls  the  tear  unwont  to  start; 
May  some  fair  messenger  of  heaven, 
All  bright  and  beautiful  as  thou, 
Be  to  my  anxious  vision  given, 
And  all  my  griefs  be  healed  as  now. 


IX. 
TO  MY  SISTER 

ON  HER  WEDDING  DAY. 

-LlIE  hour  is  come,  my  sister, 

When  thou  givest  thy  plighted  hand, 
And  the  nuptial  throng  are  gathered, 

A  youthful,  brilliant  band: 
Each  heart  is  filled  with  gladness, 

As  the  bridal  wreath  they  twine, 
And  'twere  wrong  that  a  shade  of  sadness, 

Should  cloud  that  brow  of  thine. 


True  thou  leavest,  now,  my  sister, 
Youth's  bright  and  careless  ring, 

And  graver  thoughts  await  thee, 
And  cares  in  thy  pathway  spring; 

Yet  let  not  a  tear-drop  falling, 
O'ercast  thy  smiles  to-day. 


164  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

'Tis  the  voice  of  love  that's  calling, 
From  the  old  dear  scenes  away. 

The  heart  thou  hast  loved,  my  sister, 

The  heart  thou  hast  loved  is  warm; 
Doubt  not  thou  wilt  find  it  faithful, 

True  alike  amid  calm  and  storm : 
In  the  calm  it  will  tenderly  cherish, 

In  the  storm  it  will  firmly  defend, 
And  though  other  trusts  may  perish, 

This  —  this  shall  not  fail,  till  life  end. 

I  have  loved  thee  well,  my  sister, 

I  have  watched  thee  many  a  year ; 
Can  I  see  thee  from  me  passing 

And  stay  the  uprising  tear? 
Yes  —  go  —  long  nurtured  flower, 

Yes  —  go  —  and  I'll  not  repine; 
Though  plucked  from  my  own  dear  bower, 

I  yield  thee  —  thy  joy  is  mine. 

Heaven  send  thee  its  blessing,  clear  sister, 
The  light  of  God's  love  be  o'erthrovni, 

The  angels  be  ever  around  thee, 
Thy  heart  be  as  blest  as  my  own  : 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 


165 


Then  when  death  which  earth's  ties  must 
dissever, 

Shall  bear  thee  o'er  the  dark  tide, 
Go  wander  and  love  forever, 

The  calm  waters  of  heaven  beside. 


X. 
NELLY. 

1.  KNEW  a  gentle  maiden, 
Her  cheek  was  pale,  but  fair; 

Her  eye  was  blue,  of  the  softest  hue, 
And  a  golden  brown  her  hair. 

She  used  to  cross  the  meadow, 

Skip  nimbly  o'er  the  stile; 
Her  motion  light  as  the  swallow's  flight, 

Like  a  sunbeam's  play  her  smile. 

As  o'er  the  grassy  common, 
To  school  she  blithely  went, 

In  grace,  she  seemed  like  a  fairy  dreamed, 
Like  an  angel  in  content. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  167 

With  every  Sabbath's  dawning, 

Up  to  the  house  of  prayer 
The    maiden    came, —  for   she   loved   the 
name 

Of  the  Savior  worshipped  there. 

She  went  and  came  so  often, 

That  each  returning  morn, 
My  eye  would   stray    down  the  winding 
way, 

Till  she  had  come  and  gone. 

One  day — the  sun  shone  brightly, — 
I  watched,  but  watched  in  vain; 

With  a  weary  eye  saw  the  day  go  by, 
For  she  came  not  o'er  the  plain. 

Ko  more  I  saw  her  coming 

With  light,  elastic  bound  ; 
The  frost  of    death  —  it  had  chilled    her 
breath. 

And  she  slept  beneath  the  ground. 


168  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Oh !  there  was  bitter  anguish, 
And  there  were  floods  of  grief; 

A  home  made  sad,  that  before  was  glad, 
In  that  life  so  bright  and  brief. 

But  goodness  liveth  ever, 

It  cannot,  cannot  die; 
When  lost  to  earth,  by  a  holy  birth 

It  is  born  to  a  life  on  high. 

And  still  sweet  Nelly  liveth 

Beyond  the  stars  of  night ; 
Where  all  are  fair,  she  is  shining  there, 

Herself  a  star  of  light ! 


XL 
TO  MY  WIFE, 

Jan.  1st,  1864. 

1  YE  sought  the  city  o'er  to  find 
Dearest !  a  fitting  gift  for  thee  ; 

In  vain  !  There's  nothing  to  my  mind, 
Of  all  the  tasteful  things  I  see. 

Tis  not  that  works  of  taste  and  art, 
Books,  pictures,  jewels,  I  despise; 

These  have  their  uses,  and  impart 
Some  pleasure,  even  to  the  wise. 

But  these  are  trifles  to  my  thought, 
When  this  full  heart  would  fondly  prove, 

What  price  hy  years  it  hath  been  taught 
To  set  on  thy  pure,  faithful  love. 


170  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Each  gift  most  beautiful  and  rare, 
Seems  all  unequal  to  express 

The  fervent  gratitude  I  bear, 
For  all  thy  life-long  tenderness! 

To  every  year  that  speeds  its  flight, 
Each  must  'tis  said  some  grace  resign ; 

But  flying  years,  to  my  pleased   sight, 
Add  grace  to  every  charm  of  thine. 

Thy  riper  judgment,  richer  mind, 
Enlarged  experience,  firmer  will, 

Leave  no  regrets  for  days  behind, 
But  bless  and  satisfy  me  still. 

Time  the  arch-robber  hath  no  power 
To  steal  thy  solid  worth  away ; 

He  cannot  touch  thy  peerless  dower 
Of  virtues  that  know  not  decay. 

My  heart's  best  offering,  dearest,  take  ; 

Its  changeless  love,  its  steady  trust; 
'Tis  thine  till  earth's  last  tie  shall  break ; 

And  I  shall  sleep  in  silent  dust. 


MISCE1  LANEOUS  riECES. 


171 


Aye,  where  immortal  life  shall  glow, 
Where  endless  years  serenelyr  glide, 

Finn  is  my  faith  that  I  shall  know 
Thee  as  niv  fair,  immortal  bride  ! 


XII. 

THE  MOUNTAIN  MAID. 

While  riding  among  the  Alps,  you  continually 
encounter  flocks  of  sheep  and  herds  of  cattle  wherever 
there  are  grassy  spots,  under  the  care  of  young  women, 
who  stand  or  sit  all  day  beside  them,  occupying  them- 
selves, generally,  with  braiding  straw.  There  is  some- 
thing highly  picturesque  in  the  appearance  of  these 
herds  with  their  fair  attendants,  as  you  find  them  in 
these  mountain  solitudes. — Author's  Sketches. 

feHE  sits  upon  the  mountain  side, 

The  herd  is  grazing  by; 
At  hand  soft  murmuring  waters  glide, 

Around  cool  shadows  lie. 

Beside  her  on  the  grass  are  laid 

The  well  adjusted  straws, 
With  which  to  weave  the  tasteful  braid, 

That  o'er  her  knee  she  draws. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  173 

Upon  her  nut-brown  cheek  there  glow? 

Of  health  the  blushing  hue; 
Her  eyes,  like  dew-drops  on  the  rose, 

Are  pearly,  soft  and  blue. 

All  blithe  and  happy  is  her  air, 
Throughout  the  live-long  day ; 

Aa  to  her  breast  corroding:  care 
Hath  never  found  its  way. 

And  yet  she  bears,  full  well  I  know, 

A  tender  human  heart, 
Where  deep  and  warm  affections  glow, 

And  wishes  fondly  start. 

Perhaps  adown  in  yonder  glen, 

A  mother's  grateful  smile. 
As  with  each  eve  she  comes  again, 

Awaits  her  all  the  while. 

And  well  the  thought  of  such  delight, 

May  cheer  the  lonely  child, 
As  pass  the  hours  their  lingering   flight, 

'Mid  solitnde  and  wild. 


174  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Perchance  as  thus  alone  she  sits, 

Intent  her  task  to  ply, 
A  dream  of  some  fond  lover  flits, 

Before   her  inward  eye. 

And  fancy  paints  her  happy  lot, 
In  days  when  she  shall  he 

The  matron  of  a  mountain  cot, 
With  children  round  her  knee. 

Perchance  she  hath  a  lofty  soul, 

The  gifts  of  genius  rare, 
Reads  on  each  crag  a  written  scroll, 

Hears  voices  in  the  air. 

But  what  she  hath  of  hopes  or  fears, 

It  is  not  mine  to  know; 
Yet  will  I  wish,  fair  maid,  thy  years 

All  peacefully  may  flow. 

That  time  may  thy  best  hopes  fulfil, 

And  all  thy  visions  bright 
Be  changed  to  truth; — yet  upward  still 

Still  upward  —  be  thy  flight! 


XTTT. 


THE  BIRTHDAY. 
May  2nd,  1834. 

JL  0-DAY  just  eight  and  twenty  years, 
A  day  of  mingled  hopes  and  fears, 
Remembered  well,  though  now  afar, 
Rose  on  the  world  an  unknown  star. 
Unknown,  yet  not  unlooked  for,  came 
The  trembling  thing  without  a  name! 
Emerging  from  the  eternal  deep, 
Where  an  thought  mysteries  ever  sleep. 
It  rose  in  beauty  on  our  sight, 
A  ray  of  the  celestial  light. 
Tears  greeted  it,  but  not  of  sadness, 
Tears    warm    with    love    and    bright  with 
gladness; 


176  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

And  grateful  thanks  to  heaven  were  sent 
For  this  fair  gift  so  kindly  lent, 
On  life's  dim  shadowy  way  to  smile, 
And  its  oft  weary  hours  beguile. 

That  glimmering  star  as  years  have  flown, 

Has  larger  waxed  and  brighter  grown  ; 

And  loving  hearts  have  quicker  beat, 

And  eyes  have  glowed  its  glance  to  meet. 

low  clear,  full-orbed,  ascended  high, 

It  fixes  many  a  gazing  eye  ; 

And  kindly  influence  lets  fall 

O'er  a  wide  sphere  to  gladden  all. 

A  guiding  star  —  it  sheds  its   beams; 

A  star  of  comfort  now  it  seems ; 

A  star  elect,  set  'mid  the  band 

The  Highest  holds  in  his  right  hand. 

Purer  and  purer  may  it  glow  ! 

Wide  and  more  wide  its  splendor  throw ! 

When — past  its  latest  natal  day  — 

Its  light  for  earth  shall  fade  away, 

More  fair  and  glorious  let  it  rise, 

To  blaze  on  the  eternal  skies ! 


XIV. 
TO  CLARA. 

JuADY  of  gentle  mien  and  eye, 
We  every  hour  have  missed  thee, 

Since  when  we  gave  the  last  good-bye, 
And,  at  the  parting,  kissed  thee ! 

The  stars  above  grow  dim  at  dawn, 
Are  lost  in  day's  full  beaming ; 

But  thou,  our  star,  on  that  last  morn, 
Didst  shine  with  brighter  gleaming. 

Thy  winning  ways  and  witching  smile, 
Seemed  all  enhanced  in  losing, 

Ami  grew  each  tone  the  while; 

Ah      'twas  not  of  our  choosing  — 


178  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

But  thou,  wouldst  leave  us  !  Yet  perchance 
Kind  hearts  for  thee  were  pining, 

Which  saw  their  sun  of  joy  advance, 
As  we  saw  ours  declining ! 

I  saw  thee  last  upon  the  deck, 
A  manly  hand  warm  grasping ; 

Who  —  who    in    thought   or   wish  would 
check 
The  fervor  of  that  clasping ! 

Ah !  happy  all  thy  future  years, 
Where'er  thy  steps  are  bending, 

So  thou  may'st  have,  thro'  toils  and  tears, 
That  manly  form  attending! 

Nay  do  not  blush,  some  smiling  cot 
Awaits  thy  charms  to  grace  it 

Heaven  send  thee  earth's  clivinest  lot, 
Till  Heaven  itself  replace  it! 


SONNETS 


xv. 

THE  HIDE. 

Willianistown,   Mass. 
I. 

W  E  rode,  in  genial  mood,  a  friendly  band, 
"Where  climbed  a  winding  path  o'er  man}' 

a  steep, 
And  caught,    from   height   to  height,    on 

either  hand. 
Visions  of  beauty  in  the  valleys  deep; 
There  gentle   lloosic   holds  his   peaceful 

way, 
With  meadow  banks  of  green,  and  trees 

o'erhung; 
There  are  sweet  pastures  where  the  blithe 

lambs  play 


180  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES 

And  sober  herds  repose ;   fields  where  is 

sung 
The  reaper's  troll  as  o'er  his  arm  is  flimg 
The   ripened  grain  that  for  the  sheaf  he 

binds : 
There  gleams  the  village  spire,  and  deep 

among 
Thick  elms  and  maples   hid,   the  eye  yet 

finds 
The  classic  halls  whence,  with  each  year, 

are  sent 
Men  of  high  soul  on  noble  ends  intent. 

II. 

There   lift  the   mountains   their   majestic 

forms, 
"Wearing  their  forest  robes,  a   rich  attire, 
Unharmed   by   wasting    time,    or   raging 

storms, 
Serene  when  thunders  on  their  brows  ex- 
pire. 
So  blend  the  lovely  and  the  grand  around, 
Fix  the  pleased    eye  and    charm  the  ad- 
miring soul; 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  181 

Joy  warms  each  heart,  pure,  tranquil  and 

profound  : 
O'er  each,  blest  impulses  delicious  roll ; 
We  snatched    each    view,    drank   in    each 

rural  sound ; 
The  brook's  dull  murmur  and  the  wind's 

soft  sigh ; 
And  while  'mid  scenes  of  beauty  on  we 

wound, 
Each  troubled  thought  seemed  in  the  heart 

to  die  ; 
Peace  filled  each    breast,    and   hope   that 

friendship's  chain 
Might  firmly  bind  till  perfect  love  should 


LOttcJ 


XVI. 

PALMER'S  INDIAN  MAID. 

I. 

WoNDKOUS  Enchanter !  at  that  touch 

of  thine, 
The  cold  dead  marble  warms,  and   lives, 

and  wakes; 
The  shape  thy  thought  would  give,  it  plas- 
tic takes, 
Rises  and  stands  in  symmetry  divine: 
That  Indian  Maid  seems  hut  to  wait  thy  call, 
To  break  the  spell  of  silence,  and  in  speech, 
"With  those  just  parting  lips  our  souls  to 

teach 
Truths   pure  as  crystal   drops  on  flowers 
let  fall. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  183 

For  not  alone  the  outline  soft  as  air, 
With  each  material  grace  that  charms  the 

Bight, 
Thou  fashionest,  hut  settest  also  there 
A  spiritual  beauty,  calm,  etherial,  bright; 
As  if  within   there  "-lowed  an  an^el  soul 
"Whose    living    light   serene    suffused  the 

whole ! 

II. 

Creator  of  the  Beautiful  and  True, 
What   matchless    shapes   before  thine  in- 
ward eye 
Forever  float !  what  visions  open  lie 
Of  rarest  things  that  science  never  knew! 
As  in  the  bosom  of  the  sleeping  lake 
That  no  breath  ruffles,  of  a  summer  morn, 
Sky,  mountain,  rock  and  tree,  green  slope 

and  lawn, 
A  treasury  of  beauty  seem  to  make ; 
EveE  bo,  methinks,  dwell  ever  in  thy  mind 
Typo    efall    fairest    things  —  an    endless 
store  — 


184 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 


That    stay    thy    bidding  to   stand    forth 

enshrined 
In  visible  form,  thenceforth  to  change  no 

more. 
Thy  pure  creations  bid  our  souls  aspire 
To  know  the  Infinite  Beauty,  and  admire! 


XVII. 
VAUCLUSE. 

Passing  the  bridge,  you  stand  in  front  of  a  grand 
cliff  rising  perpendicularly  nearly  eight  hundred  feet. 
You  ascend  l>y  a  winding  path  along  the  rnpid  stream 
to  the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  there,  under  the 
shelving  rock,  you  find  a  natural  reservoir,  some  fifty 
feet  across,  and  said  to  be  on  one  side  more  than  a 
hundred  feet  in  depth.  The  sun  never  shines  into  it. 
The  water  lies  perfectly  tranquil,  is  of  the  deepest  blue, 
and  on  the  shallower  side,  you  can  see  the  pebbles  go 
shelving  down  as  far  as  the  eye  can  follow  them. — Au- 
thor's Sketches. 


I. 


feTERlSr,  solemn,  grand,  far  up  the  dark 

blue  heaven, 
Thou    old    grey   cliff,  thou   heav'st  thine 

awful  form  ! 
On  the  wide  waste  of  years  a  beacon  given, 
Lonely  and  bare,  and  scarred  by  time  and 

storm  ; 


186  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Hard  at  thy  base,  where  all  day  shadows 

sleep, 
Spreads  the  wide  grotto,  overarching  high ; 
Adown  its  mossy  sides  the  cold  tears  weep, 
And  in  its  lap  the  crystal  waters  lie, 
In  sweet  repose,  as  if  there  ventured  nigh 
This  still  retreat,  no  rude  disturbing  power; 
No  sound  to  pain  the  ear,  no  sight  the  eye  ; 
Peace  was  not  more  profound  in  Eden's 

bower ; 
Far  down  the  depths  the  pebbly  slope  is 

seen, 
Then  azure   shades   unpierced   by   vision 

keen. 

II. 

'Tis  such  a  spot  as  poets  oft  have  sung, 
Or  fancy  pictured  in  her  wildest  dream ; 
A  spot  the  which  while  yet  the  world  was 

young, 
Had  peopled   been  with  Naiads,  and  the 

stream, 
Along    whose   murmuring   course   sweet 

odors  breathe 


MISCELLANEOUS  FIECEB.  187 

From  bedfl  of    fragrant    thyme  and  roses 

wild, 
Had    been  the  haunt    of  Fays,  that  came 

to  wreathe 
Their  flowery    garlands    when  the  moon- 
beams smiled ; 
Now   gushing    forth    through    portals  all 

unseen, 
And  bubbling  upward  to  the  light  of  day, 
It  dashes  onward  the  rough  rocks  between, 
With    sparkling   foam, —  then    sweeps  its 

winding  way 
Down  the  long  steep, —  then  its  rash  speed 

restrains, 
And  bears  fresh  beauty  to  the  blooming 

plains. 

III. 

Petrarca's  Fountain! — Yes,  thou    bearst 

his  name  ; 
A  name  that  distant  age.-  >hall  rehear 
A  name  that  soareth   DOt    alone  to  lame, 
Married  to  Laura's   in   immortal  verse! 


188  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Oft  came  he  musing  to  the  cooling  shade, 
When    scorched    the  summer's   sun  with 

noontide  ray; 
At  twilight  thither  oft  his  footsteps  strayed, 
To  while  with  thee  the  pensive  hour  away : 
Now  —  seated  thoughtful  by  thy  rocky  side, 
A  soft  kind  influence    steals   through  all 

his  soul ; 
Bright,  airy  visions  now  before  him  glide; 
Now  —  mark  the  tears  of  tenderness  that 

roll ! 
Fixed  is  his  gaze  —  but  the  winged  soul 

is  free ; 
He  thinks  on  Laura — though  he  looks  on 

thee  I1 


1  These  sonnets,  more  than  any  others,  perhaps,  should 
have  been  constructed  on  the  Petrarchian  model,  con- 
sidering the  genius  loci.  But  written  as  they  were  im- 
mediately under  the  inspiration  of  the  visit,  the  author 
thought  of  nothing,  at  the  time,  but  of  giving  expres- 
sion to  what  he  felt.  The  older  English  writers,  how- 
ever, as  Shakspeare  for  example,  commonly  used  this 
simple  construction. 


win. 

FAREWELL  TO  ROME. 

Composed  in  a  night  ride   from  Rome  to  Civita  Vec- 
chia. 

I. 

IMPERIAL  City!   I    have   dreamed   of 

thee 
Through  long  —  long  years, —  since  when 

in  early  prime, 
I  traced,  with  heart  deep  stirred,  thy  history 
Of  men  heroic,  and  of  deeds  sublime : 
Thy  storied    names,  which  on   the   scroll 

of  time, 
But  gather  brightness  with  the  flight  of 

years  ; 
Or  —  if  all  stained  with  tyranny  and  crime, 
With  blood  of  slaughtered  innocence  and 

tears 
Of  bitter  agony —  but  blacker  grow, 
As  grows  the  detestation  of  mankind ; 


190  MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES. 

Around  thy  Tiber,  have  availed  to  throw, 

And  o'er  thy  hills,  where  sits  decay  en- 
shrined, 

A  spell  that  warmed  my  soul  with  classic 
fire, 

And  waked,  to  see  thee,  restless,  keen 
desire ! 

II. 

And  I  have  seen  thee  ! —  And  my  feet  have 

trod 
Among    thy   crumbling  glories ;  climbed 

the  height 
Of  thy  famed  Capitol,  where  erst  thy  god, 
Great  Jupiter,  enthroned  in  awful  might, 
His  dwelling  kept;  whither  old  warriors 

came 
With  pomp  and    triumph   from  the  field 

well  won, 
To  bring  their  trophies,  and  to  light  the 

flame 
Upon  his  altar ;    forth  when  clay  was  done, 
My  steps  have  strayed  to  see  the  moon- 
light fall 


MISi  7.Y.  1 . 1 NSO  US  PIS01  191 

Where  ivies  o'er  the  Coliseum  creep, 
And  mark  the  shadows  by  the  ruined  wall 
Where  dwelt  the  Csesars,  dark  and  lonely 

slv 

Henceforth  'tis  memory  all — the   dream 
is  o'er; 

Rome — fare  thee  well — I  muse  on  thee 
no  more  ! 


XIX. 
TO  TILLIE  ON  HER  BIRTHDAY. 

METHIKKS  that  on  this  joyous  natal 
morn, 

Backward,  dear  girl,  thy  gentle  thought 
hath  strayed, 

And  'mid  the  golden  blushes  of  the  dawn 

Of  early  childhood,  thou  again  hast  played. 

Ah  !  beautiful  in  the  dim  past  appears 

That  early  twilight  when  all  things  were 
fair  ; 

When  blithe  birds  caroled  to  the  morn- 
ing air, 

And  thou  as  yet  didst  feel  no  boding  fears : 

Sweet  memories !  As  they  rise  thine  eye 
doth  wear 

A  tender  look,  half  sorrow  and  half  joy! 


MISCEL LA  NSO  lTS  PIECES.  193 

For  childhood's  dreams  are  vanished,  and 

now  care, 

And  sober  thoughts,  and  noble  aims  em- 
ploy 

Thy  earnest  woman's  soul;  the  future 
calls ; 

On  !  On  !  God  give  thee  strength  till  eve- 
ning falls  ! 


XX. 

SONG. 

JL  EA"RS  have  seemed  months,  love, 

When  passed  at  thy  side  ; 
But  months  seem  long  years,  love, 

When  without  thee  they  glide ; 
Wearily  breaketh  now 

The  bright  dawning  day, 
Wearily  evening  falls, 

And  thou  far  away. 

What  though  I  roam,  love, 

'Mid  old  storied  towers, 
Wander  through  palaces, 

Gardens  and  bowers? 
Or  stray  by  sweet  rivers 

Made  classic  in  song  ? 
One  charm  still  is  wanting, 

One  name  on  my  tongue. 


MISCELLANEOUS  PIECES.  195 

Thy   smile   hath  cheered,  love, 

Hath  Lighted  my  path, 
When  dark  clouds  have  gathered, 

Or  burst   in   their  wrath ; 
So  long  hath  it  blessed  me, 

£>o  dear  hath  it  grown 
Without  it  my  heart  pines 

All   saddened  ancf  lone. 

Speed  —  speed  the  hours,  love, 

That  bear  me  once  more, 
Back  to  thy  fond  arms, 

A  wanderer  no  more ; 
Bright  though  the  way  be 

That  tempts  me  to  roam, 
I'm  most  of  all  1)1  est,  love, 

With  thee  and  at  home! 


